Cervical Cancer in Middle Aged Women
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- Date Submitted: 02/29/2016 07:56 PM
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Causes and Risk Factors
Cervical cancer is most common in women in their late 40’s to early 50’s. It is less common but it can also develop in women in their 20’s and 30’s. Dysplasia is a precancerous form more likely found in younger women, although it is uncommon. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
According to American Cancer Society (2016), “In the United States, Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and whites. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country.”
Prevention and Detection
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly and goes through many phases. Some cases of HPV go away without treatment. Types 16 and 18 are associated with cancer. Monitoring and treating lesser ailments through regular pelvic exams is a good measure to take. Knowing how the cells are changing can make treatment easy.
Cervical cancer cannot always be prevented; some genetic factors may apply to some. HPV is spread through sexual activities. Avoiding sexual contact is always the first option and a HPV vaccination is available. When contact does occur protection such as a condom or other barrier protection is suggested. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking and regular exercise are always good precautions as well.
How cancer affects the body
Most cases of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma while only small percentages are adenocarcinoma. In rare cases, mixed carcinomas are found. Common symptoms of cancer may include vaginal bleeding or pain during, after sexual intercourse, or in between periods. Vaginal discharge may change as well.
As the cervical cancer metastasizes, symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, edema, anemia, and back or leg pain. Changes in stool or urine output, such as incontinence or constipation, can also be indicators that it is spreading. It is possible...
Cervical cancer is most common in women in their late 40’s to early 50’s. It is less common but it can also develop in women in their 20’s and 30’s. Dysplasia is a precancerous form more likely found in younger women, although it is uncommon. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
According to American Cancer Society (2016), “In the United States, Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and whites. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country.”
Prevention and Detection
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly and goes through many phases. Some cases of HPV go away without treatment. Types 16 and 18 are associated with cancer. Monitoring and treating lesser ailments through regular pelvic exams is a good measure to take. Knowing how the cells are changing can make treatment easy.
Cervical cancer cannot always be prevented; some genetic factors may apply to some. HPV is spread through sexual activities. Avoiding sexual contact is always the first option and a HPV vaccination is available. When contact does occur protection such as a condom or other barrier protection is suggested. Eating a healthy diet, not smoking and regular exercise are always good precautions as well.
How cancer affects the body
Most cases of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma while only small percentages are adenocarcinoma. In rare cases, mixed carcinomas are found. Common symptoms of cancer may include vaginal bleeding or pain during, after sexual intercourse, or in between periods. Vaginal discharge may change as well.
As the cervical cancer metastasizes, symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, edema, anemia, and back or leg pain. Changes in stool or urine output, such as incontinence or constipation, can also be indicators that it is spreading. It is possible...