HEALTH --- Cervical cancer

If you think that Cervical cancer can never happen to you, you really need to think again --- ThinkAgain.gsk.com

Every minute, one woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer somewhere in the world. It can be a threat to all women. But many do not know enough about the disease. Please take a minute to read this article, and see what you can do to help prevent it.

Question: What is Cervical cancer?

Answer: Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix( the "neck" of the womb). And unlike some other cancers, it is not a condition dependent on family history, because it is caused by a viral infection.


Question: What causes the disease?

Answer: It is caused by an infection related to a common virus called papillomavirus(HPV). This virus is caught during sexual activity, including intimate skin contact. Condoms do not offer total protection.


Cervical cancer can affect all asexually active woman of all ages, not just older women. Up to 80% of women will be infected by HPV at some point in their life. Not all HPV infections cause cancer, and although most of them clear naturally, some can lead to cancer.


Symptoms
There are often no signs or symptoms of cervical cancer at the early stages, when it can be successfully treated. It usually takes many years to develop, but early signs of the infection that causes cervical cancer can be detected by regular cervical screening.


Prevention of the causes of Cervical cancer
You can help to prevent the causes of cervical cancer by getting vaccinated and going for regular cervical screening. It is recommended that you should start screening when you reach 25 years if age, and continue to do this every three years. Before you decide to get vaccinated, you should speak to your doctor.


Importance of vaccination and regular screening
Although vaccination can help protect you against the main causes of cervical cancer, it does not protect you against all of them. Vaccination and screening are complementary. Together they are the most effective way of helping to prevent cervical cancer.

Am I too young or too old for vaccination?
Young girls and women from 10 years of age onwards can benefit from being vaccinated against the causes of cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor to see if vaccination is suitable for you.

If your daughter is at least 10 years of age, then you should talk to her doctor about vaccination for her.


I am in a stable relationship, should I still get vaccinated?
Even if you have a long-term partner, you could still be at risk and could benefit from vaccination. Help protect yourself in the future through vaccination and regular screening.


How is the vaccination given?
The vaccination consists of three injections given over a six-month period by a doctor, nurse or other healthcare professional. It is important that you complete the full course of vaccination, including all three doses, in order for the vaccine to be highly effective. You should also continue with regular screening even after being vaccinated.

What should I do next?
The next step should be to make an appointment to talk to your doctor.