» Cervical cancer.

• It is a common cancer in women caused by abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, which is the narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

» Main cause.

• The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly high-risk strains, which are mostly transmitted through sexual contact. Other risk factors include:
  • Having sex at an early age.
  • Polyamory.
  • Having multiple children.
  • Immunocompromised, such as an HIV-positive person.
  • Genetic predisposition: A family history of cervical cancer.

» Symptoms.

• In the early stages, cervical cancer often has no clear symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may appear:
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
    • Sporadic bleeding between menstrual periods.
    • Bleeding after sexual intercourse.
    • Heavier or longer-than-usual menstrual periods.
    • Bleeding after menopause.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge: unusually heavy discharge, foul-smelling, or mixed with blood.
  • Other symptoms.
    • Lower abdominal or lower back pain.
    • Fatigue and unexplained weight loss.
    • If the cancer spreads to nearby organs, symptoms may include blood in urine or stool, leg pain, swollen legs, or kidney failure.

» Treatment.

• The treatment approach primarily depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's overall health. The methods used are as follows:
  • Surgery.
    • Cervicectomy (Conization): For early-stage cancer, this involves removing only the cancerous part.
    • Hysterectomy: For more advanced cancer.
  • Radiation therapy: uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: uses drugs to destroy cancer cells.

» Protection.

• Preventing cervical cancer is highly effective and can be done in several ways.
  • HPV vaccination: The vaccine can prevent infection with high-risk HPV strains. It should be administered from the age of 9 and older.
  • Regular cervical cancer screening: All women who have had sexual intercourse should have regular internal examinations and cervical cancer screenings (Pap smear or HPV DNA test) every 1-3 years, as recommended by a doctor.
  • Avoid risk factors: such as early sexual activity, having multiple partners, and smoking.

For more details, please contact the Women's Health Center, Building 2, 3rd Floor, Tel. 0 2530 2556 ext. 2310, 2320.