CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common type of cancer in women and can lead to bad consequences when neglected. Cervical cancer generally does not occur suddenly. Theprocess starts with the normal cells of the cervix first gradually develop abnormal changes that are called pre-cancerous (CIN).

The main factor responsible for the change of cervical cells is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).There are many types of HPV virus and some types may be from genital warts other than cervical cancer. This virus is sexually transmitted. Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early period. When it shows symptoms, the feeling of fullness in the vagina can give symptoms such as bloody discharge in the form of broth. Therefore, smear and HPV scanning are very important for early diagnosis of cervical cancer. It is recommended that all boys and girls aged 11-12 should be vaccinated with two or three doses. In addition, people who are between the ages of 21-65 should be screened regularly for protection.

Cervical cancer is a preventable, therefore, treatment should start as soon as the precursor lesions detected by HPV and smear and confirmed by colposcopy.

When cervical cancer occurs, treatment can be performed with surgery and radiotherapy (beam). Surgical treatment is a form of treatment that can be applied in the early stages, while radiotherapy is a form of treatment that can be applied at all stages of cervical cancer.