Cervical cancer ranks as the 3rd most frequent cancer among women in Pakistan and the 2nd most fre-quent cancer among women between 15 and 44 years of reproductive age group.A major cause of most cervical cancers is an infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. There are more than 100 strains of HPV virus, but only 20 strains are known to cause cervical cancer.
The two most common are 16 and 18 causing approximately 70 per cent of all invasive cervical carcinoma.Moreover, the majority of HPV infections get cleared from our body due to our immune system within two years. Cervical cancer usually develops slowly, during which time the cells in the cervix undergo changes.
These findings were shared by Dr Tahira Yasmeen, consultant gynecological oncologist and assistant professor at Liaquat National Hospital at a public awareness seminar held in connection with the cervical cancer awareness month, which is observed in January of every year.“Symptoms of cervical cancer includes vaginal bleeding in between the menstrual cycle, and after sexual contact as well. Symptoms like persistent pain in the back, legs, or pelvis, weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite also denotes cervical cancer,” she said.The seminar was held on Friday in collaboration with Dr Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic Center that emphasizes the necessity of educating people with knowledge about minimizing cervical cancer risks and the life-saving importance of regular screenings as the disease remains silent and does not cause any major symptoms in the initial stages.
Risk factors for cancer progression include the grade of oncogenicity of the HPV type, immune status, the presence of other sexually transmitted infections, number of births, young age at first pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive use, and smoking, she further explained.
