Causes of Cervical Cancer

Cancer can be defined as the abnormal uncontrolled growth of cells.  Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix which connects the uterus to the vagina or birth canal of women. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer after breast cancer. It is very serious but the good news is that it can be prevented.  Causes of cervical cancer mainly include a highly contagious and life threatening virus called Human papillomavirus (HPV).  Other cervical cancer causes include smoking, low socioeconomic status, and infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS. Having sex at an early age is one of the main cervical cancer causes. Vaginal bleeding or other discharge and moderate pain during sexual intercourse are the main symptoms of cervical cancer. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include loss of appetite, pelvic pain, back pain, weight loss, fatigue, leg pain, swollen leg, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina, and bone fractures. Initial diagnosis of cervical cancer begins with a positive Pap test, which is followed by a more comprehensive examination to confirm cervical cancer. 

Good news is that the causes of cervical cancer - HPV can be avoided by giving HPV vaccine to young girls between 13 to 26 thereby preventing HPV infection and so the chance of getting cervical cancer is reduced.  The survival rate of cervical cancer is fairly high if it is diagnosed in the early stage. But if it spreads outside the uterus, the problem can get serious and may result in death.  Surgery is an effective treatment for noninvasive cervical cancers. Radiation therapy is effective when the cancer has spread beyond the surface of the cervix. Radiation therapy may cause side effects such as premature menopause, bladder irritation, or a narrowing of the vagina. Chemotherapy is used when cervical cancer has spread beyond the uterus which is an advanced stage. The use of a combination of two chemotherapy drugs of hycamtin and cisplatin are recommended for women with late-stage cervical cancer. http://www.biblehealth.com/cervical-cancer/causes-of-cervical-cancer.html