INTRODUCTION
What is cervix?
The cervix is part of female reproductive system. It is usually called the
neck of the womb. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. It is the
lower, narrow part of uterus (womb).
Function of cervix
- Producing moistness to lubricated the vagina
- Producing mucus to help the sperm movement
- Holding baby in the uterus during pregnancy
- Allowing the flow of menstrual blood from the
uterus into the vagina
What is cancer cervix?
Cancer is a disease in which cells grow up abnormally. When
cancer starts in the cervix, it is
called cervical cancer. Cervical cancer develops from cell
changes caused by virus that is called
human papillomavirus (HPV). It can be transferred by touch
skin-to-skin during sexual
activities.
Types of cervical cancer There
are two main types of cervical cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma-common type of
cervical cancer. It develops fromthe flat cells that cover the outer
surface of the cervix
- Adenocarcinoma – less common type of cervical
cancer. It develops in the glandular cells, which are found in the
cervical canal.
Stage
-
Stage 0- the cancer is only in the cells of the
surface of the cervix
-
Stage 1 -the cancer invaded deeper into the cervix
-
Stage 2 - the cancer has begun to spread around
the neck of the womb
-
Stage 3 - the cancer has spread into the pelvis
-
Stage 4 - the cancer has spread into other body
organs
SYMPTOMS AND RISK FACTORS
Symptoms
-
Pain and bleeding during sexual activities
- Abnormal vagina bleeding
- Bleeding from vagina between period
- Vagina bleeding after menopause
- Leg pain or swelling
- Low back pain
- Tiredness
- Unusual vagina discharge and smelly
Risk factors
- Early sexual activities at a young age
- Have many sexual partners.
- Giving birth to many children.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Smoking
- Less care of vagina hygienic
- The immunity to protect body from disease
infections are less because of certain disease like AID’s and others
- Women not doing pap smear test
- Have sex partners who have other sex partners
- Women from poor family
