The lower part of the uterus is known as cervix. Most incidents of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is passed during anal or vaginal sexual intercourse. Having multiple partners increases your risk. Also those who smoke, have many children, have HIV infection or have been using birth control pills for a long time have a higher chance of getting the disease.
However, a pap smear test can detect the cells that are changing abnormally to form cancerous cells. Treatment can be sought at this stage and curing cancer can be achieved. There is a vaccine that you can get if aged between 6 and 26 years. This usually works best if you have not had sex. The vaccine is given in a span of six months in three doses. It's effect can last for up to five years.
The symptoms of cervical cancer could be pain in the pelvic or unusual bleeding through the vagina. However, the symptoms could be detected during the final stage. This is because it takes even years for the normal cells to turn into cancerous ones.
It is therefore advisable to have one sex partner. This is not only to stay clear of cervical cancer but also other sexually transmitted disease and especially HIV and AIDS. Use of condoms for casual sex cannot be over emphasized. Have a pap smear screening test done at least twice a year. This could indeed save your life. Like the saying goes, a stitch in time saves nine.
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