The part of the female reproductive organ that holds the baby is called uterus. In the lower part of uterus, there is a narrow passage of one inch in length. This is called cervix of the uterus. The cancer in this part is called as cancer on cervix, or cervical cancer.
Whose are at the risk?
Any woman of urban or rural area can develop this cervical cancer. But the women of low socioeconomic status are at higher risk. The incidence of cervical cancer is more among the women who cannot maintain the proper hygiene of their reproductive organs, those who got married at an early age or those used to sexual intercourse from an early age, and the women with frequent child birth. The women whose husbands have more than one female partner and those women who have more than one male physical partner are also at risk of cervical cancer.
Besides that, infection by Human Papilloma virus (HPV) type 16, 18, 31 and 45 and Herpes Simplex Virus type 2 are responsible for 80% cases of cervical cancer. HPV type 16 itself is responsible in 50% cases. Most of the women, in their lifetime are attacked by HPV more than once. The formation of cancer from the virus infection can take from two years to twenty years.
Symptoms of the cervical cancer
At primary stage, the cervical cancer may display no symptom at all. But there can be bad smelling vaginal discharge with blood. Menstruation can be irregular. There can be bleeding in between periods, bleeding after sexual intercourse. After stopping menstruation at certain age, the cycle can start again. She may feel pain on her waist and on her thigh.
Very easy method of diagnosis
Two easy methods are used for the detection of cervical cancer at an early stage, VIA and Pap Smear. In the VIA method, with the help of bright light, the cervix is examined after applying some medicine.
In case of VIA positive, the presence of cancer cells is confirmed after Colposcopy and Biopsy. And in case of VIA negative, she is then assured that she does not have cervical cancer. She is also advised to take VIA again after three years.
Another method for the detection of cervical cancer at early stage is called Pap Smear. In this method, some fluid from the womb is collected, and examined if there is any cancer cell or not. If the first report is negative, that there is no cancer cell, then the patient is advised to take the second test after one year. If that report is also negative, the patient is then advised to take a Pap Smear in between the next year to three years afterward. If the Pap Smear detects any cancer, or if there is uncertainty or doubt about the report, Colposcopy and Biopsy should be done by any skilled professional.
Colposcopy is another method based on microscope by which the cells of vagina, its external part, and the cells of cervix can be examined. Colposcopy is suitable for those women, whose Pap Smear report says that there are cancer cells at the cervix, or the Pap Smear Report is negative, but there is a suspicion about cancer cell at the cervix.
Where can you get the medical facilities?
You can get the medical services at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, District and Central Hospitals, Upazilla Health Complex, various Medical College Hospitals and Cancer Institute.
Treatment
If the cancer is identified at early stage, and if proper treatment is done, in that case the possibility of getting cured is 90 among 100 women. The rate of success gradually decreases in the later stages. The treatment is done through surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy according to the stage of cancer.
Prevention
The good news is, one of the main reasons for this cervical cancer, Human Papillomavirus Type 16 and 18, against them effective vaccine is invented. Like other countries of the world, this vaccine is also available in Bangladesh. Any female from nine years and onwards can take this vaccine. But it will be more effective if taken before marriage.
Unfortunately, women of our country know very little about cervical cancer and its symptoms due to lack of consciousness. When this cancer shows the symptoms, the patient feels embarrassed and doesn’t disclose it to anybody. And she goes to doctor when she cannot bear the pain any longer. But the cancer may spread widely by that time.
