Cancer has always posed a threat to people's physical and mental health, as well as their life safety. Therefore, people are afraid to talk about cancer. Among many cancers, cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological malignancies, and is also the second biggest killer of women's life and health after breast cancer. About 53000 women die from cervical cancer in China every year, most of whom are found in the middle or late stages, and have shown a trend of younger age in recent years. Although the incidence rate and mortality of cervical cancer are high, early screening and early prevention can significantly reduce the incidence rate and mortality.
1、 Risk factors for cervical cancer
1. Unhealthy sexual activity
The occurrence of cervical cancer is closely related to sexual activity, especially unhealthy sexual activity such as partner confusion, frequent sexual activity, marital confusion, unhygienic sexual activity, and small initial sexual intercourse can all allow carcinogenic factors (HPV, mycoplasma, chlamydia, CMV, trichomonas, etc.) to enter the reproductive tract, thereby inducing cervical cancer.
2. Cervical lesions
Cervicitis, cervical erosion, cervical polyps, and cervical lacerations caused by early marriage, early childbirth, and multiple births can be transformed into cervical cancer under long-term stimulation from external factors if left untreated.
3. Low immunity
Although HPV is closely related to cervical cancer, not all women infected with HPV can develop cervical cancer. In clinical practice, some women who have been tested for HPV in the reproductive tract may eventually turn negative after re examination, which is closely related to their individual immunity. The occurrence of cervical cancer is not singular, but also related to genetic, nutritional factors, dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and the use of contraceptive drugs.
2、 Symptoms of cervical cancer
In the early stages of cervical cancer, there is usually contact bleeding, and most patients also experience vaginal discharge, such as bloody, white, or watery fluids accompanied by a foul odor. Late stage cervical cancer can cause pain, as well as cachexia symptoms such as difficulty in defecation, anemia, frequent urination, urgency to urinate, and painful urination. In daily life, if the above symptoms occur, timely medical treatment should be sought to identify the cause and achieve early detection and treatment. In order to nip cervical cancer in the bud, women should do a good job in prevention and take responsibility for their own life and health.
3、 Cervical cancer prevention measures
1. Maintain a healthy sexual life
The occurrence of cervical cancer is not only related to women themselves, but also closely related to their spouses. Therefore, both spouses should maintain a healthy sexual life, avoid promiscuity, have moderate sexual frequency, and not engage in sexual activity too early. In addition, hygiene should be emphasized during sexual activity, and it is best to wear condoms. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during menstruation and postpartum period.
2. Actively treat local cervical diseases
Pay attention to preventing chronic cervicitis and cervical erosion in daily life, and regularly undergo gynecological examinations. Once a local cervical disease occurs, seek timely treatment at a regular hospital to avoid cancer. Special attention should be paid to cervical lacerations during childbirth, and if there are lacerations, they should be repaired as soon as possible.
3. Develop good lifestyle habits
Good lifestyle habits are the foundation of resisting diseases. To prevent cervical cancer, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, keeping the external genitalia clean and dry. If there is no infection, try not to use various flushing liquids because the vagina itself has a natural protective barrier. Regular daily routine, balanced diet and nutrition, strengthened exercise, and maintaining a happy mood.
4. Early screening and vaccination
China has a three-level prevention strategy for cervical cancer. Firstly, it is recommended that the appropriate age group receive cervical cancer vaccines in a timely manner. Currently, there are bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent vaccines to choose from, which can prevent about 70% of cervical cancer incidence through vaccination; Secondly, cervical cancer screening can be conducted through cervical TCT examination, cervical cytology examination, numerical testing, or HPV typing testing. Women under the age of 65 should undergo cervical cancer screening as much as possible every one or two years; The third is to detect high-risk groups and remove cervical precancerous lesions through existing technology before they have developed into cancer.