Are you at risk of Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a health condition in which cancer cells develop in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the neck of the uterus, and marks the upper end of the vagina. Globally, it is the second most common type of cancer found in women after breast cancer (according to Woman Health Sexual Resource Centre).

In its earliest stage, cervical cancer usually gives no symptoms. At late stage, irregular bleeding or pain during or after coitus, or vaginal discharge is suggestive of more advanced state of the disease.

All women are at risk of developing cervical cancer while several factors can increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. According to the American Cancer society, these are some of the factors that can increase a woman's risk of cervical cancer.

• History of sexually transmitted disease especially infection with the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). This is sexually transmitted infection which is transmitted through skin to skin contact with an HPV infected genital area.

• Smoking cigarettes. This expose the body to cancer-causing chemicals (known as carcinogens) which can damage the DNA in the cells of the cervix making cancer more likely to occur there.

• A diet low in fruits and vegetables. Women who don't eat many fruits and vegetables miss out on protective antioxidants and phyto-chemicals such as vitamins A,C,B and beta-carotene which have all been shown to help prevent not only against cervical cancer but other forms of cancer.

• A compromised immune system related to certain illness such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis can increase one's susceptibility. A compromised immune system is less able to fight cancers.

• A family history of cervical cancer is another major predisposition. If one's mother or sister had cervical cancer, it may imply one has a genetic tendency or high risk for the disease.

• Long term use of oral contraceptives (OC) for up to 5 years or more may slightly increase a woman's risk of cancer of the cervix.

• Women with multiple sexual partners.

• Early exposure to sexual intercourse (at less than 17 years of age).

• Sexual active females more than 35 years old who do not screen regularly.

• Virgin girls not getting HPV vaccine (this is the vaccine for prevention of the virus causing 90% of cervical cancer, its protection efficacy is about 70% and protect better when received before a lady becomes sexually active).

Women of all ages are at risk of cervical cancer. it is important that all, even  postmenopausal women continue having regular pap smear if they still have a cervix.

Pap smear is the process of scrapping the cells of the cells to be studied for any abnormal, precancerous or cancerous cells.

WHEN WAS YOUR LAST PAP SMEAR DONE?