Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor originating from the epithelial tissue of the cervix. Its incidence rate ranks first in malignant tumors of female reproductive system and second in malignant tumors of women, so it is also known as "beauty killer". Fortunately, the cause of cervical cancer is clear, so it can be prevented and controlled. Actually, cervical cancer is not scary. What's scary is that we don't understand cervical cancer and don't detect and treat it early. So today let's take a look at the symptoms and preventive measures of cervical cancer together.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
1. Increased vaginal discharge
Increased vaginal discharge is the most common symptom of cervical cancer. As the tumor grows day by day, cervical cancer patients may experience purulent or bloody discharge resembling rice water, and a few cervical cancer patients may also have a foul odor. Increased vaginal discharge is one of the most common symptoms of early cervical cancer, affecting approximately 82% of patients clinically.
2. Vaginal bleeding
Early symptoms of cervical cancer may also manifest as vaginal bleeding, and young patients often present with contact bleeding, such as bloody vaginal discharge after intercourse. This is an early symptom of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer has a small amount of bleeding in the early stage, but in the late stage, the lesion becomes larger and manifests as massive bleeding. However, the amount of bleeding cannot determine the severity of a patient's condition. But based on the size, location, and invasion of interstitial blood vessels, once larger blood vessels are eroded, it may cause fatal massive bleeding.
3. Pain
Cervical cancer patients may experience pain in the late stages, with only a very small number of patients experiencing pain in the early stages. Most cases are caused by excessive tumor growth that compresses the pelvic nerves in the late stages. When cancer invades the ureter, patients may experience frequent urination, urgency, hematuria, etc. If the cancer invades the rectal tract, it can lead to rectal bleeding, difficulty in defecation, etc.
The specific symptoms mentioned above are all early signs of cervical cancer. Looking at these early signs, it can be seen that these symptoms do not receive much attention in daily life, especially pain and increased vaginal discharge. Most people think of gynecological inflammation, but no one would have thought that it would be cervical cancer.
Preventive measures for cervical cancer
The following are measures to prevent cervical cancer:
1. Regular cervical cancer screening: Regular cervical cytology and HPV virus testing can detect cervical lesions early and improve the cure rate. It is recommended that women undergo a cervical smear test every 2-3 years. If the results of the cervical smear are abnormal, further HPV virus testing is necessary. For high-risk individuals, such as those with multiple sexual partners, early marriage, late childbirth, smoking, etc., it is recommended to undergo regular cervical cancer screening.
2. Vaccination against cervical cancer: The cervical cancer vaccine can provide effective immune protection, prevent high-risk HPV infection, and thus reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
The difference between bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent cervical cancer vaccines: (1) Divalent vaccines prevent HPV16 and 18 infections and are suitable for women aged 9 to 45 years old.
(2) Quadrivalent vaccine: prevents HPV6, 11, 16, and 18 viruses, recommended for ages 20-45 (3) Nine valent vaccine: prevents HPV6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 viruses, prevents over 90% of cervical cancer lesions, and is suitable for women aged 16 to 26.
3. Establish healthy sexual habits: use condoms, limit the number of sexual partners, and reduce the risk of contracting high-risk HPV among sexual partners.
4. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption: Long term abuse of tobacco and alcohol is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer, and efforts should be made to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
5. Pay attention to personal hygiene: keep the external genitalia and vagina clean, avoid using harmful substances or irritating drugs.
6. Enhance immunity: By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep, we can improve immunity and help prevent cervical cancer.
7. Treat cervicitis as early as possible: If long-term cervicitis is not treated in time, it may develop into cervical cancer, so it is necessary to seek medical attention and treatment in a timely manner.
Please note that the above measures do not fully guarantee the prevention of cervical cancer, but can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. If you have any questions or concerns related to cervical cancer, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.