HEALTH
or a partner who has had multiple partners, (complete removal of the womb) or only a
increases the risk of this disease and others. part of the cervix or an area of tissue using
Genetic predisposition: women with a keyhole surgery.
sister or mother with a history of cervical Case
cancer are more likely to develop it. Similarly, What is HPV?
Study
women with weak immune systems due to The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus
disease, nutrition, medications or prolonged that can cause cervical cancers and other sexu-
and severe stress are at higher risk. ally transmitted diseases. There are several
Women over the age of 35 years are at types of HPV; type 16 is the strain that causes Sahar Ben-Isa
higher risk; nearly 20% of women diagnosed almost 50% of cervical cancer and four other My journey with cervical
with cervical cancer are over the age of 65. strains can also cause cancer. Cervical can- cancer began 6 years ago
Survival rates are higher in women diag- cer may occur after cells in the cervix undergo at the age of 37 years. I
nosed at a younger age. Women under 40 changes due to persistent HPV infection by a sensed something was
years of age have survival rates of over 85%. single strain of the virus. not right but I ignored it for
some time even though I
How is Cervical Cancer Detected Pros and Cons of the HPV vaccine was over two years behind
and Diagnosed? Vaccines have made important historic strides on my Pap smear tests. My
Fortunately cervical cancer can be detected in public health, nearly eradicating devastating smear tests were sent to the
in its early stages, which makes treatment diseases such as smallpox and polio. The new lab for emergency results
more successful. Cancer takes a long time to HPV vaccine is the first approved anticancer and I was then referred to
develop and before this abnormal pre-cancer- vaccine and is currently under much scrutiny. a specialist who diagnosed
ous cells can be found in a Pap test screening. This vaccine, called Gardasil and Cervarix me with cervical cancer
In this simple and relatively painless test, cells has been aggressively marketed and even pro- after further testing and two
are taken from the lining of the cervix and posed as mandatory vaccination for females painful biopsies. I received
smeared on a slide by your doctor. The slides between the ages of nine and 26 years. It external radiation as well
are then analysed in a lab to check for cell protects against four types of HPVs that may as brachytherapy (internal
changes. Since the development of the Pap test cause 70 percent of cervical cancers, however radiation). I was also
in the 1950s, the rate of mortality from cervical the vaccines long term effects are not yet prescribed chemotherapy.
cancer has decreased by almost 75%. known. Protection is thought to last up to Due to the radiation my
Pap smears are safe even for pregnant four years and further studies are required to ovaries ceased functioning
women and are recommended for women assess whether booster shots are needed after and I am no longer able to
from the age of 20 years and every this period. have children. This was
second or third year after that if they are The vaccine does not provide immunisa- devastating news but I was
sexually active. tion against other HPV strains that can cause fortunate to already have
It is important for women to have regular 30 percent of cervical cancers and it cannot two beautiful young children
pelvic exams and Pap tests because cervical cure existing infections. Females still require and a supportive, loving
cancer can be treated successfully if found regular pelvic exams and Pap screen tests husband; they gave me the
early. According to the American Cancer So- even after vaccination. Doctors are concerned strength to continue with
ciety, almost 80% of women diagnosed with that this vaccination may deter females from the life saving treatment and
invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap getting Pap tests which is a tried and tested the emotional scarring of
test in the last five years. method of preventing cervical cancer. having the disease. After a
Pap screens are preventative measures and Like all medication, vaccines carry some setback when doctors found
available free of charge. risks. Though extremely rare, these risks in- a swollen lymph node in my
If you have abnormal results or symptoms, clude complications such as potentially fatal groin, I am now in remission
your doctor will prescribe further tests. blood clots. The HPV vaccine is also pain- after years of treatment,
Abnormal cells do not always mean you ful and side effects may include nausea and tests, fear, hope and waiting
have cancer and further tests are needed to dizziness. Though it has been successful in I cannot overstate the
diagnose cervical cancer. This may include preventing HPV infections, long term studies importance of this test for
further examination of the cervix or a cone need to be conducted in order to determine all women to prevent
biopsy, a minor procedure done in hospital or whether the HPV vaccine prevents cervical cervical cancer.
specialist office, in which a cone of tissue is cancer. Individuals with underlying medical
removed to check for cancerous cells. Consult conditions should be assessed by their doctor
your doctor for more information about tests before receiving the HPV vaccination.
and what you can do to prevent it.
Circumcision
Treatment Studies suggest that circumcised men are 35
Cervical cancer can be treated in several ways percent less likely of contracting (and
including radiation and chemotherapy as well transmitting) HPV. Circumcision also decreases
as surgery. Depending on the stage of cancer the risk of other sexually transmitted infec-
and how far it has progressed by the time it is tions including HIV which leads to AIDS by up
detected. Surgery may involve a hysterectomy to 60 percent.. l
www.emel.com | emel magazine 83
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