CANCER! NOW THAT I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION, LET’S TALK ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER: WHAT IT IS, HOW TO PREVENT IT, SCREENING AND THE WARNING SIGNS FOR EARLY DETECTION.
By: Dr. Kesha Robertson
Let’s start with anatomy 101. The cervix is the tubular structure that sits deep within the vagina forming the mouth of the uterus. Foremost, it serves to protect the uterus from infection. In addition, it allows for the outflow of blood during menstruation and the influx of semen during coitus allowing for pregnancy. During labor, dilation of the cervix becomes necessary for successful vaginal childbirth. Most women have a cervix making it a vital organ that deserves special attention.
Cervical cancer is when malignant (cancerous cells) invade the cervix. Cancer occurs when normal cells mutate and become abnormal. In most cases this is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. In the United States there are about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed each year accounting for approximately 4000 yearly deaths. Globally, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer amongst women.
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