1 in 4 women delays Pap smear tests because of embarrassment/ignorance even though early detection increases the recovery rate by 80%.

Here's a thread on everything you need to know about #CervicalCancer. Do share with your loved ones.
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#CervicalCancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the second most common female-related cancer in the world, with 92,400 new cases & 56,000 deaths in Africa yearly.
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#CervicalCancer can be caused by a variety of factors but the most common cause is the various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
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When exposed to HPV, a woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In some women, however, the virus can survive for years, thus causing some cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancerous.
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Symptoms

While early-stage #CervicalCancer generally shows no signs, symptoms of advanced cervical cancer include:
- Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy & have a foul odour
- Pain during intercourse

So what causes #CervicalCancer?
Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells acquire a genetic change (mutation) that causes them to turn into abnormal cells.
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Naturally, healthy cells grow and multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. Cancer cells grow and multiply out of control, and they don't die. These accumulating abnormal cells eventually form a tumour.
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The cancer cells then invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumour to spread (metastasize) elsewhere in the body.
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While it's certain that HPV plays a role in causing #CervicalCancer, it's a very common virus & most women with it never develop cervical cancer. This means other factors eg.: environmental or lifestyle factors — also determine whether you'll develop it.
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#CervicalCancer Types

The type of cervical cancer helps to determine prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are:
1. Squamous cell carcinoma.
2. Adenocarcinoma.
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Squamous cell carcinoma is the #CervicalCancer that begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

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Adenocarcinoma. This type of #CervicalCancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer.
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Risk factors for #CervicalCancer include:

- Having multiple sexual partners
- Early sexual activity
- Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- A weak immune system.
- Smoking (associated with squamous cell cervical cancer).

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Prevention
To reduce your risk of #CervicalCancer:

-Get vaccinated against HPV (available from age 9).
-Have routine Pap tests (Can be done from age 21 but should be done every few years from age 25)
-Practice safe sex (Use a condom).
-Don't smoke.
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#CervicalCancer, when detected early, is more likely to be treated successfully. Most guidelines suggest that women begin screening for cervical cancer and precancerous changes at age 21.
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Screening tests for #CervicalCancer include:

-Pap test. During a Pap test, your doctor scrapes and brushes cells from your cervix, which are then examined in a lab for abnormalities.

- HPV DNA test.
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Diagnosis

If #CervicalCancer is suspected, your doctor is likely to start with a thorough examination of your cervix. A special magnifying instrument (colposcope) is used to check for abnormal cells.
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Treatment for #CervicalCancer depends on several factors, such as the stage of cancer, other health problems you may have and your preferences. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of the three may be used.

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Remember, #CervicalCancer is:

1. Detectable: Go for your Pap smear tests
2. Preventable: Get your HPV vaccine and protect yourself.
3. Treatable: Women have an 80% chance of beating cervical cancer when detected in the early stages.
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That's all we've got for you on #CervicalCancer and we hope you've learned something. Encourage your female family members, friends and loved ones to do the needful and stay protected from this preventable disease.
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