Arm Against Cervical Cancer this Month

Its Cervical cancer awareness week (24.01.10 to 31.01.10) so at Chemist Direct we are spreading the word and creating awareness about the causes, symptoms and precautions against cervical cancer.

 It wasn't until the summer of 2008 that cervical cancer received the attention it deserved when television personality and reality show star, Jade Goody, was diagnosed with terminal cervical cancer. Suddenly women nationwide were given a real wake up call and kick started into action.

What causes cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 strands of HPV and of these, 13 are known to cause cervical cancer, two of which cause over 70% of all cases. Most strands of HPV are harmless or cause genital warts but if you catch one of more of the cancer causing strains you chances of developing cervical cancer are greatly increased.

How is HPV contracted?

You can catch HPV by being sexually active with someone else who is sexually active. HPV is very common and over half of all women who have sex with become infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

Who is at risk?

Over 99% of all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV so it is very important to take precautions and get screened regularly. Women are most likely to develop cervical cancer in their 30's and their 60's to 80's however HPV can be contracted at any age hence why it is so important to go to your first screening and at regular intervals thereafter.

What precautions can be taken against Cervical cancer?

The chance of catching cervical cancer can only be eliminated if you completely abstain from sex (and even then there are other causes of cervical cancer, although these are rare). However the following precautions can be taken to reduce you chances of catching HPV and therefore vastly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer:
 

• - Always use a condom if you are not sure of your partners sexual history and get screen before using a form of contraception that does not provide a physical barrier. However it should be noted that a condom does not provide complete protection as HPV can reside on external skin. A condom will however protect against other sexually transmitted diseases.

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• - Get screen regularly and always report any changes you notices. By getting screened, any abnormalities can be caught early and could save your life.

• - The HPV vaccine was introduced nationwide last year for all girls between thee ages of 12 to 18. The HPV vaccine only protects against the 2 main cancer causing strains of HPV but research is ongoing to create a complete vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is available free to those who qualify for it and can be bought privately by those who do not meet the NHS criteria (those older that 18) however it should be noted that the effectiveness of the vaccine has been shown to deteriorate with age and increasing sexual history.

 The best medicine is prevention so remember to get screened regularly.

What are the symptoms of Cervical Cancer:

Unfortunately there is no prevention for cervical cancer so even if you follow all the precautions there is still a chance of developing cervical cancer if you notice any of the following symptoms please notify your Doctor and arrange and examination as soon as possible.

 The most common symptom of cervical cancer is unexpected bleeding from the vagina. You may experience bleeding:

• - between periods

• - after sex

• - at any time past the menopause

Some women also experience:

• - a vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant

• - discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse

 The symptoms listed can be caused by cervical cancer but can also be symptomatic of numerous other less serious conditions. Cervical cancer is rare but you are still advised to talk to your Doctor as soon as possible.