According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) data in 2018, more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in Bangladesh every year and about 6,500 women die of this disease. Despite so many deaths every year, many people do not know much about cervical cancer.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects the vagina and uterus of the female body. When the cells in this area start to change abnormally, it turns into cancer. Many times the cancer starts from the cervix and then spreads to the lungs, liver, bladder, vagina and anus.
Cervical cancer is caused by a type of virus called ‘human papilloma virus’. It is spread by having sex with someone who has the virus. This virus enters a woman’s body from a man during sexual intercourse. Cancer does not develop immediately after the virus enters, it may take several years. When a woman’s immune system is weakened, this virus causes cancer.
The main disadvantage of cervical cancer is that it only causes pain when it is in the last stage. Until then, many considered its symptoms to be feminine problems of menstruation. When the cancer is at the very last stage, the disease has spread far and wide.
Women don’t go to the doctor if there is no pain initially. Even when it happens, after it happens, they wait. Smelly discharge is seen but shyly does not tell anyone. She is also not saying that blood is flowing in association with her husband. As a result, when you go to the hospital, it is too late.
But so far it is not supposed to build. Because cervical cancer is the easiest to diagnose compared to other types of cancer. Even before it happens, a very simple test can detect whether there is a pre-cancerous condition or not. This test is called Via test. Women who are having sex can only know if their cervix is pre-cancerous by taking the Via test.
Apart from this, it is possible to diagnose cancer before it occurs by doing regular Via test. Even if someone has cervical cancer, some cases can be cured if treated early.
The first step in cervical cancer screening, the Via test, is very simple. No pain. It only takes a minute. Women between the ages of 30 and 60 should have a Via test every five years. Women aged 35 to 44 years are most affected by cervical cancer.
Women aged 35 to 44 years are most affected by cervical cancer.
who are at risk:
- Having had sexual intercourse before the age of 16 or having had intercourse within 1 year of the onset of periods.
- If the husband or sexual partner has the virus.
- If many people have sexual partners.
- If you have been taking birth control pills for a long time, especially for more than 5 years.
- Those who have the habit of smoking.
- If the body’s immune system is deficient.
- If you have any sexually transmitted diseases. Eg – AIDS, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, etc.
Symptoms:
- Feeling of pain during intercourse.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding. For example, after intercourse, between periods, after periods or menopause, after a pelvic exam.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge.
If the cancer spreads, all the symptoms are seen –
- Pelvic pain.
- Problems urinating.
- Swelling of feet.
- Kidney failure.
- bone pain
- Weight loss and loss of appetite.
- feeling weak
When to consult a doctor?
Bleeding after menopause is not normal. If this happens, consult a doctor. Excessive period time
Tell your doctor if you have heavy bleeding or frequent bleeding between periods.
All medical college hospitals, government district headquarter hospitals, mother and child welfare centers, even some selected upazila health complexes, union health and family welfare centers, NGO clinics are doing this VIA test free of cost.
So without neglecting or shying away, get yourself and your family regularly tested for cervical cancer every 5 years. Stay safe from cervical cancer.
Also, cervical cancer is the only cancer that has a vaccine. It is possible to be protected from this cancer by getting vaccinated immediately after the onset of menstruation and before sexual intercourse or marriage.
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