in Scotland. If the test shows abnormal results, women will be recalled for more checks. If it is detected earlier, cervix cancer can be avoided. If not detected early, cervix cancer can spread to other areas of the body and may eventually lead to cervix cancer.
Cervical cancer starts when healthy cells inside the cervix develop mutations in their DNA. DNA is a blueprint of the cells in our body and is what gives us our genetic information. Cervical cancer develops when this information is altered or damaged. While this is very common, there are also other types of cancers that occur in the cervix. Cervical cancer can be classified as squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma or glassy cell carcinoma.
The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the type of cancer. A stage 0 tumor is limited to the outer layer of cells of the cervix and has not spread beyond it. A stage I tumor has invaded the cervix but has not yet reached lymph nodes or the uterus. A stage II tumor has spread beyond the cervix and has invaded the lower vagina and walls of the pelvis.
Despite its prevalence, cervical cancer is an easily treatable disease. Early detection is critical to reducing mortality. Early-stage cervix cancer can be treated through surgery, preserving fertility. In advanced stages, a cancerous tumour may spread to the rest of the body. A community-based approach is necessary to reduce the number of cases of cervical cancer. However, there are also several risks associated with cervical cancer. While early detection is crucial, cancer cells in the cervix can develop into non-cancerous tumours.
Patients diagnosed with invasive cervix cancer had a significantly lower risk of dying from the disease. In addition to the early detection and treatment of cervical cancer, women with HPV infection are at a much higher risk of developing the disease. Although most cases of cervical cancer can be cured with surgery, recurrences can require patient-specific treatment plans. It is also important to remember that cervical cancer is highly preventable, and regular Pap smear screening and timely treatment of precancerous lesions can help to protect against it.
Women who smoke are also at risk of developing cervix cancer. Smoking is one of the most common causes of the disease. Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that damage DNA. Furthermore, women who engage in sexual activity during their young adulthood are at a much higher risk. To reduce the risks, women should use diaphragms or condoms when sexually active. They should avoid smoking and exposing themselves to HPV.
Although the incidence of invasive cervix cancer has declined in recent decades, it still occurs at a high rate throughout female adulthood. Nearly half of women under 50 are diagnosed with invasive cervix cancer. Invasive cervix cancer also accounts for a greater number of death-years and social cost than other types of invasive cervix cancer. Older women still remain at high risk of developing this disease, but they tend to present with advanced disease. Screening for invasive cervix cancer should be discontinued in women over 70 years old.
