Complete Analysis of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in the cervix, which is the lower, narrower part of the uterus. In most cases, cervical cancers are directly caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent and detect with vaccinations and regular screening tests. It is also highly curable when it is detected and treated in the early stages. Cervical cancer occurs predominantly in women for over thirty years, but it poses a significant level of danger to all women.
What causes Cervical cancer?
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by a high-risk strain of HPV. This virus can be transmitted from one person to another through genital contact such as through vaginal, oral or anal sex. If the HPV infection does not automatically resolve itself, it can ultimately lead to the formation of cervical cancer.
Other factors may increase the risk of development of cervical cancer if you have previously had an HPV infection. These include:
- Being HIV positive or having reduced immunity due to illness
- Take birth control pills regularly (over five years)
- Carried three or more children to full term
- Being younger than seventeen at your first full-term pregnancy
- Intrauterine Device use (IUD)
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Family history of cervical cancer
What are the symptoms?
You may not note any signs or symptoms of cervical cancer right away. The first signs of advanced cervical cancer tend to include vaginal discharges or bleeding. However, these symptoms are not conclusive evidence. Only a doctor can confirm cervical cancer after putting you through a series of examinations.
Screening must be mandatory for women over the age of twenty-one. You can get a Pap test to check for changes in cervical cells that can turn cancerous if they are not treated. If the Pap test concludes that significant changes have occurred in the cells of the cervix, your doctor may suggest more tests to look for cancer. If you are between the ages of 30 and 65, you can also get an HPV test with your Pap test to see if you have HPV.
The regularity of screening depends on your age and general health history. Your doctor will point you towards the appropriate course of action. Most women can follow these guidelines:
- If you are between 21 and 29, you must get a Pap test every three years.
- If you are between 30 and 64, you must have a Pap test and HPV test every three years, or a Pap test every three years every five years.
- If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop Pap tests.
Diet during cancer treatment
Cancer treatment can place a lot of nutritional demands on your body. It is important to consistently consume a healthy diet and to drink nutritional drinks. The main nutritional objectives during this time are to see that a healthy weight is maintained and that the foods you eat provide your body with calories and nutrients for energy, recovery, repairs, and healing. A healthy eating pattern includes lots of vegetables and fruits, moderate amounts of whole grains, and plant protein sources such as nuts, beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh, along with modest servings of poultry, lean meat, and nonfat or low-fat dairy foods.
Try these ideas to improve your appetite and maintaining calorie and protein during cancer treatment:
- Space out your meals into five or six all through the day.
- Eat the largest meal for breakfast.
- Start with high protein foods while your appetite is strongest.
- Keep favorite high-calorie foods and drinks within easy reach.
- Try to be as physically active as you can be to stimulate your appetite.
- Obtain the help of your loved ones and caregivers to help with the purchase and preparation of food.
- Consult a registered dietician for diet formulation assistance.
- In some cases, you may request your doctor medication to improve your appetite.
Target to be as far as possible within the normal range of body weight:
- Maintain body weight within normal BMI range, from the age of 21.
- Avoid weight gain; particularly avoid putting on belly weight during adulthood.
- Stay away from processed foods and drinks which result in massive weight gain.
- Eat energy-rich foods sparingly
- Avoid sugary drinks.
- Eat “fast-foods” as little as possible.
Cervical cancer and indeed all types of cancer can be prevented by a healthy diet and regular exercise. A dietician can further guide you in building your own preventive cancer diet.
Good luck and happy healthy life to you!