Prevention and Treatment of Cervical Cancer
- Thursday, July 2, 2009, 0:15
- Health Care, Women's Health
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What are the prognosis and complications associated with cervical cancer?
Several factors determine the outcome of cervical cancer, including:
• The nature of the cancer
• The stage of the cancer
• The age and physical state of the patient
When identified in the pre-cancerous state, cervical cancer can be completely cured. Once cancer has spread to the inside of the cervical wall, patients are generally given a five year timeframe for life. However, the survival rate will depend on whether the cancer spreads to other body parts. The survival rate decreases significantly once the cancer spreads.
The complications associated with cervical cancer include the following:
• The recurrence of cancer even after treatment.
• The recurrence of cancer in patients who have opted to not remove their uterus.
• Having a form of cervical cancer that does not respond to treatment
• Surgery and radiation can also cause problems in sexual, bowel, and bladder functions.
How can cervical cancer be prevented or cured?
Researchers are successfully researching a vaccine suitable for the treatment of cervical cancer. In June of 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug administration approved Gardasil, a vaccine designed to prevent both types of HPV responsible for cervical cancer; it is the first such vaccine that has been approved. However, this vaccine can only prevent the early-stage of cervical cancer; it cannot cure advanced stages of cancer.
Utilizing safe sex practices, such as using condoms, decrease the risk of HPV infection and other sexually-transmitted diseases. HPV infection usually leads to genital warts. Because these warts are easily visible, sex should be avoided with those individuals exhibiting the symptoms.
Reducing the number of sexual partners and avoiding partners who participate in high-risk, sexual activities or engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners are just some of the preventive steps one can undertake to avoid cervical cancer.
Regular pap smears are recommended to detect early stages of the condition. Proper treatment provided during this stage can prevent the development of cervical cancer.
If abnormal changes are noticed, a colposcopy and biopsy are recommended to cure the disorder. Smoking is also prohibited in cases of cervical cancer as it enhances the chances of the cancer spreading to other body parts.
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