Cervical Cancer

CEBU, Philippines – The cervix is part of the female reproductive system located at the junction of the vagina and the uterus (womb). It is often called the neck of the womb.

In the Philippines, cervical cancer is among the leading cancers among women. An estimated 7,277 new cases of cervical cancer are expected to occur every year, with around 3,807 possible deaths.

Generally, all women who have had sexual intercourse are at risk of cervical cancer. However, rare types of cervical cancer can occur even in women who never had any sexual intercourse in their life.

In recent studies, there had been overwhelming evidence that an infectious agent, particularly human papiloma virus (HPV) that is transmitted through sexual intercourse, causes cervical cancer. The most at risk are women who o have had multiple sexual partners, o have had sexual partners (regular or casual) who themselves had several sexual partners, o have had sexual partner who is infected with human papilloma virus, and o had first sexual intercourse at a very early age, possibly 15 or 16 years old.

Generally, cervix cancer does not have symptoms. Often, the disease is detected during its advance stage. However, certain signs may hint of the ailment, especially unusual bleeding from the vagina at any time and unpleasant vaginal discharge.

Cervical cancer when detected early is curable. At present, the most reliable and practical way to diagnose early cervical cancer is through Pap smear. A woman's first Pap smear should be done three years after the first vaginal intercourse. After that, it should be done every year for three years. If the Pap smear test is negative for the consecutive three years, then it can be done every two or three years. In unmarried women who never had sexual activity in their life, Pap smear should be done starting at age 35.

There is almost universal acceptance that cervical cancer is primarily transmitted through sexual intercourse. It helps to practice preventive measures, like sticking to a one-partner sexual relationship, delaying on having the first sexual intercourse, and using barrier contraceptives (like condoms) during sexual intercourse. (www.doh.gov.ph)