Cancer Risk
Cervical Cancer
What to watch for:
Cervical pre-cancers usually show no symptoms or signs. A woman usually develops symptoms once the cancer has become invasive.
• An unusual discharge from the vagina (separate from your normal monthly menstrual period) can be a sign of cervical cancer. Such discharges may include blood spots or light bleeding and may occur between your periods.
• Bleeding following intercourse is a common symptom.
• Pain during intercourse may also indicate cervical cancer.
Schedule to have an exam if any unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge or if any changes occur.
Smoking: Smoking tobacco and exposure to secondhand smoke. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to get cervical cancer.
Sexual History: Having intercourse at an early age, having many sexual partners, having unprotected sex at any age increases your chances of getting cervical cancer. The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) or other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
Diet:Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk for cervical cancer. Women who are overweight are more likely to develop this cancer.
Multiple pregnancies:Having many full term pregnancies increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Family History: Recent studies suggest that women whose mother or sisters have had cervical cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Low socioeconomic status: Many women with low incomes do not have access to adequate health care services.
Screenings:
Early detection of cervical cancer is the single most important factor in the cure rate for this disease; 91 percent of all localized cervical cancer cases can be treated successfully when detected at an early stage. Females should start having annual Pap pelvic exams by age 18 (or sooner if they are sexually active). There is no upper age limit for the Pap pelvic exam.