Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know

At the age of 23 I was told I had cervical cancer. It was on of the scariest days in my life. I didn't know what to think or what to do. I knew of it but didn't think at 23 I could have it. After that I looked in to it a lot. I researched all I could. I had to wait two weeks to see if there was even any thing they could do for me. So I want other people to know about it. I know it is all over now and people are becoming more aware but you really need to research it. So here is some information that you may not know.

Cervical cancer begins in the lining of the cervix, but don't for suddenly. Cells gradually develop pre-cancerous changes that turn into cancer. There are 2 main types of cervical cancers: squamous cell carcinumas and adenocarcinoma.Only some women with pre-cancerous changes of the cervix will develop cancer. This process usually takes several years but sometimes can happen in less than a year. So please get tested regularly if possible. No matter how young you are. I know we all think when we are young nothing is going to happen to us but it can and I am proof of that.

Here is what you should know about getting tested and checked. Doctors recommend that women help reduce their risk of cervical cancer by having regular Pap tests. Screening can help the doctor find abnormal cells before cancer develops. Also, screening can help find cancer early, when treatment is more likely to be effective. Women should begin having Pap tests 3 years after they begin having sexual intercourse, or when they reach age 21

We all know now that cervical cancer is most commonly caused by HPV. HPV is a group of viruses that can infect the cervix. HPV infections are very common. These viruses can be passed from person to person through sexual contact. If a woman has an HPV infection, her doctor can discuss ways to avoid infecting other people.