January is the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month | Dr. Rani Bhat

1. Cervical Health Awareness Month January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Fight, Support & Hope

2. Do you know about cervical cancer? ACT NOW January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

3. Lets understand the overview of cervical cancer

4. What is cervical cancer? Cervical Cancer Our body is made up of millions of cells. Usually, cells have a life span and they die when they get old or damaged after which new cells are formed and take their place. Sometimes due to genetic changes there can be interference in this orderly process and cells grow disproportionately and eventually turn into tumor. Cancer can happen anywhere in the body, when cancer appears on cervix it is known as cervical cancer. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

5. How common is cervical cancer in India? According to statistics, the peak age of incidence of cervical cancer is 55-59 years. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer seen in Indian women. Cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can be cured, if detected early. This disease can also be prevented with regular PAP smear & HPV vaccination. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month *Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25931830

6. Risk factors of cervical cancer Majority of cervical cancer are caused by a simple virus known as known as human papilloma virus (HPV) Usually affects women with multiple sexual partners, women who smoke, women who started sexual intercourse at early age, woman who never had Pap smear and poor hygine. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

7. Symptoms of cervical cancer Abnormal vaginal bleeding Bleeding after sexual intercourse Foul-smelling vaginal discharge Bleeding after menopause Bleeding heavily during menstruation Loss of appetite Bowel and bladder issues Persistent pelvic and/or back paindizziness) Have excessive bleeding that can cause anaemia (fatigue & dizziness) Other symptoms could be Pain during intercourse Pelvic or low back pain Leg pain Bowel and bladder issues Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

8. What should I do if I have symptoms of cervical cancer? If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above or changes in your body that you are worried about, it’s important for you to see a gynecological oncologist. Getting your symptoms checked at the earliest and sooner your cancer is diagnosed & treated the more likely you are to recover from it. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

9. Diagnosis of cervical cancer If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should immediately book an appointment with a gynaecological oncologist. The following tests may be used to diagnose cervical cancer: Pelvic examination Pap test HPV DNA test Colposcopy Other test such as Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, X- ray, blood tests, etc. may be required based on your condition. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

10. How is cervical cancer treated? Treatment option will be based on factors like stage of the cancer, age of the patient and whether she wishes to preserve her fertility. The treatment options are as follow: Cone Biopsy Radial Trachelectomy Simple Hysterectomy Radical Hysterectomy Uterus Cone shaped wedge Cervix Vagina In some cases radiation and or chemotherapy may be required, depending on your stage. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

11. Risk reduction of cervical cancer HPV Get HPV vaccination before you become sexual active By limiting number of sexual partners you may lower your risk of exposure to HPV Quit smoking - way to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Using condoms can provide some protection against HPV but they can’t prevent infection completely Last but not the least is by going for Pap smear test and HPV test at the regular intervals Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

12. If you have any of the above symptoms schedule an appointment with your gynecological oncologist. GYN APPT Cervical Cancer Awareness Month