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| Photo Credit: BellaNaija |
Source: BellaNaija.com
Cervical cancer is preventable, yet it is the 2nd most common cancer among women in Nigeria. CancerAware Nigeria, a cancer intervention non-profit organisation has been running an intensive campaign to educate Nigerians about cervical cancer, its risk factors, screening options, e.t.c. They have put together a Cervical Cancer Factsheet to address some of the common questions.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops on the cervix of a woman.
The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus, which is often referred to as the neck of the womb. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix start to grow out of control.
What is the main risk factor for Cervical Cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus or HPV for short.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Most sexually active individuals – male and female will get HPV at one point in their lives without knowing. In most cases, the body’s immune system usually clears it.
However, in some cases, some types of HPV can go on to cause cervical cancer in women. It can persist in the woman without showing any signs or symptoms, in some cases for years. In addition to cervical cancer, some types of HPV can also cause cancer of the vulva and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, and cancers of the anus, mouth and throat in both men and women.
How does HPV cause Cervical Cancer?
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to cancer because they cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Initially, these are precancerous changes that can be detected with screening tests. Over time, the precancerous cells can develop into cancer cells.
After cancer has developed, it then spreads within the cervix and eventually to surrounding areas.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops on the cervix of a woman.
The cervix is the narrow part of the lower uterus, which is often referred to as the neck of the womb. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells on the cervix start to grow out of control.
What is the main risk factor for Cervical Cancer?
Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called human papillomavirus or HPV for short.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
Most sexually active individuals – male and female will get HPV at one point in their lives without knowing. In most cases, the body’s immune system usually clears it.
However, in some cases, some types of HPV can go on to cause cervical cancer in women. It can persist in the woman without showing any signs or symptoms, in some cases for years. In addition to cervical cancer, some types of HPV can also cause cancer of the vulva and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, and cancers of the anus, mouth and throat in both men and women.
How does HPV cause Cervical Cancer?
High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to cancer because they cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Initially, these are precancerous changes that can be detected with screening tests. Over time, the precancerous cells can develop into cancer cells.
After cancer has developed, it then spreads within the cervix and eventually to surrounding areas.
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