Cervical Cancer Awareness: Key to Prevention and Early Detection
What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer happens when cells change in the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. There are two types of cells on the surface of the cervix, squamous and columnar (gland cells). Most cervical cancers are from squamous cells. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia. This condition can be detected by a Pap test and is nearly 100% treatable. It can take years for dysplasia to develop into cervical cancer. Most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer today have not had regular Pap tests, or they have not followed up on abnormal Pap test results. Those with female anatomy aged 35-44 are most likely to get it. Causes of Cervical Cancer The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, with specific strains such as HPV 16 and 18 being responsible for the majority of cervical cancer...