Is Cervical Cancer Common?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that mainly affects the cervix. It is the lower portion of the uterus which forms a canal into the vagina. 

Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV or human papillomavirus strains, a sexually transmitted infection. 

When an individual’s body is exposed to HPV, the immune system generally prevents the virus from harming. In a small percentage of people, this virus survives for years.

It contributes to the process, which causes some of the cervical cells to become cancerous. 

But, it is possible to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by specifically having screening tests. Another thing that you can do is to receive a vaccine that effectively protects against the infection caused by HPV. 

Occurrence Of Cervical Cancer

In the United States, cervical cancer used to be the primary cause of cancer deaths, specifically those assigned females at birth. 

But, nowadays, a significant improvement in this statistic has occurred due to the advances in cervical cancer screening and the use of the HPV vaccine.

If you are wondering how common cervical cancer is and what risk factors are associated with it, then you have to keep reading the below-mentioned section:

Important Facts About Cervical Cancer

As per the World Health Organization or WHO, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer occurring in females. In the year 2018, it accounted for an estimated 570,000 new diagnoses and 311,000 deaths globally.

According to the National Cancer Institute, in the year 2021, it is estimated that cervical cancer will account for 14,480 new diagnoses and also 4,290 deaths due to carcinoma cancer in the U.S.

It corresponds to about 0.7 percent of all new cancer deaths and 0.8 percent of all cancer diagnoses for 2021. 

Cervical Cancer Trends

Talking about cervical cancer, it can occur in females of any age. However, there are some trends associated with it which you should know about. As per the ACS or American Cancer Society, 

• This type of cancer is primarily prevalent in females who are between 35 and 44 years of age.
• Cervical cancer is rare in females who are below 20 years of age.
• The average at the time of diagnosis is found to be 50 years.
• Over 20% of cervical cancer diagnoses occur in females who are more than 65 years old. 

Although cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths in females in the U.S, this number is significantly lowered by improvements in screening. 

Those females receiving regular screenings before 65 years of age are not or rarely known to suffer from this cancer. 

The incidence of cervical cancer is also significantly reduced by the introduction of the HPV vaccine.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

If you think about cervical cancer symptoms, you will get a clear idea about this in this section.

Cervical cancer is the early stage that produces no symptoms or signs. Below are mentioned the symptoms and signs of more-advanced cancer, which includes:

• Bloody and watery discharge from the vagina, which may have a foul odor or maybe heavy
• Bleeding from the vagina, specifically in between the periods, after menopause, or just after you have performed intercourse.
• Pelvic pain or pain mainly during intercourse

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor.

Risk factors

The significant risk factors for cervical cancer are the following:

• Weakened Immune System

If any other health condition weakens your immune system or is already suffering from HPV, you may be more likely to develop this type of cancer.

• Early Sexual Activity

Your risk of HPV increases by having sex at an early age.

• Other STIs Or Sexually Transmitted Infections

Your risk of developing HPV increases if you have other STIs like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and AIDS / HIV. 

• Multiple Sexual Partners

Multiple sexual partners tend to increase your chance of acquiring HPV significantly. It is precisely because the more significant your number of sexual partners, the greater your partner’s number of sexual partners.

• Smoking

Smoking is also found to be associated with squamous cell carcinoma.

• Exposure To Those Drugs That Prevents Miscarriage

In the 1950s, if your mother took a drug known to be DES or diethylstilbestrol while pregnant, then you may be at an increased risk of developing a specific type of cervical cancer known to be clear cell adenocarcinoma. 

Prevention

To effectively reduce your risk of the cancer, all that you need is to follow the below mentioned preventive measures:

• Asking Your Doctor Regarding The HPV Vaccine

If you receive a vaccine to prevent HPV infection, it may reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma and other HPV-related cancer. But, before that, it is essential to talk with your doctor about whether or not you should opt for this vaccine. 

• Practicing Safe Sex

You would be able to significantly reduce your risk of squamous cell carcinoma by taking measures to prevent STIs. It includes using a condom every time you have sex. Another important thing is to limit the number of sexual partners you have. 

• Avoiding Smoke

If you do not smoke, then it is well and good. But, if you do, then it is crucial to talk to your doctor about the strategies to help you quit. 

• Having Routine Pap Tests

It is possible to detect precancerous conditions of the cervix with the help of pap tests. After diagnosis, you would be able to treat or monitor this condition for successfully preventing this type of cancer. 

In this regard, a vast majority of the medical organizations recommend starting routine Pap tests, specifically at the age of 21. Also, it would help if you repeated these tests after every few years to be on the safe side. 

Wrapping Up

So, it is evident from the above-discussed section that cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer occurring in females. A vast majority of this type of cancer cases are diagnosed in women between 35 and 44 years of age.