Every year, more than 1.2 lakh new cases of cervical cancer are reported in women in India. It is the third most common cancer in women. About 70,000 to 75,000 women die from the disease every year, which is about one-third of all cervical cancer deaths worldwide. This cancer is preventable, but the most dangerous thing is that its early symptoms are often missed, leading to delay in detection and prevention. In this article, we are discussing the signs and reasons that can help women become alert in time.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of a woman’s uterus. The cervix is the part that connects the uterus to the vagina. When the cells in this area start growing abnormally and the body loses control over them, it is called cervical cancer. The most common cause is thought to be human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, although other factors are also involved.
HPV infection: the most common cause
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer. This virus spreads through sexual contact. HPV is responsible for about 80 percent of cervical cancer cases. There are many types of HPV, but types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous because they can cause cancer.
HPV infection is common, but when does the risk increase?
It is important to know that HPV is not a rare virus. Most women become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Fortunately, in most cases, the body’s immune system kills the virus on its own. The problem arises when the virus persists in the body for a long time. In such cases, the risk of cervical cancer increases.
Why does having multiple sex partners increase the risk?
If a woman has multiple sex partners, her risk of cervical cancer increases. This is because she is more likely to contract HPV and other sexually transmitted infections. The virus easily spreads from one person to another through unsafe sex and frequent change of partners. HPV is one such virus which can cause cancer if it remains in the body for a long time.
Smoking also increases the risk
Smoking is often linked to lung cancer, but its effects are not limited to this. The poisonous chemicals present in cigarettes weaken the body’s immune system. When immunity becomes weak, the body is unable to eliminate viruses like HPV. Due to this, the risk of cervical cancer gradually increases.
Repeated pregnancy is also a risk factor
If a woman has had multiple pregnancies, her risk of cervical cancer may increase. This risk is especially high in those women who became pregnant at a young age.
Long-term use of birth control pills
Some research suggests that women who take birth control pills for five years or more may have a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer. The hormones present in these pills affect the hormonal balance of the body, which can affect the cells of the cervix.