<a href="https://www.pexels.com/photo/scrabble-tiles-on-a-light-blue-surface-8428356/">Photo by Anna Tarazevich</a><h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">Overview</h1>When the heavy bleeding started, she never imagined it could be anything worse. Mrs. B, a 28-year-old mother of two has had a heavy bleeding in the past, some of which she took pills for, others went on their own. Her gynaecologist attributed her last heavy flow to an anovulatory cycle, something to do with her ovaries not releasing an egg for the month. It was nothing to worry about, she had said. So when this came, she didn’t think much of it until it refused to go.Mrs. B went to the hospital where she had several tests done. Full blood count, ultrasound scan, urinalysis. Nothing extraordinary was found, safe for an unusual finding in her urine. Her PCV, which indicates the blood level in her body, was normal. The abdominal ultrasound done didn’t show anything abnormal. Only the urinalysis discovered red blood cells. The doctor told her not to worry but recommended she go for a biopsy, where a tiny cut of her cervix will be taken and viewed with a microscope. The biopsy report came back and the unimaginable had happened: she has cervical cancer&nbsp;For many people like Mrs. B., cervical cancer is a strange thing. Cancer is common. It’s on the news. Everyone talks about, but not much or anything at all is ever said about cervical cancer. Or not much that she had heard or read. All she knew about were breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Here she was having to deal with a cancer she's never heard about.<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">So what’s cervical cancer?</h3>Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Around 660,000 women were newly diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2022, making it the fourth most common cancer in women globally.&nbsp;Other notable statistics about cervical cancer include:<ul><li>&nbsp;It accounts for death every two minutes</li><li>Nearly 22.5% of these deaths occur in Africa</li><li>About 8% of the cancer is associated with infections with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)&nbsp;</li><li>More than&nbsp; 75,000 new cases and close to 50,000 deaths are reported annually in sub-Saharan Africa</li><li>The World Health Organization projects that by 2030, cervical cancer will claim the lives of more than 443,000 women worldwide, with almost 90% of these fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa.&nbsp;</li></ul>This surge in cervical cancer cases threatens to reverse the advancements made by African women in reducing maternal mortality and enhancing life expectancy. Nevertheless, cervical cancer is a largely preventable non-communicable disease, with effective strategies available for primary (vaccination), secondary (early detection), and tertiary (management of diagnosed cases) prevention.&nbsp;<h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">What are the causes of cervical cancer?</h1>&nbsp;The primary cause of cervical cancer is a long-lasting infection with specific types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a transmitted virus that spreads through sexual contact.&nbsp;It is estimated that at least half of sexually active individuals will contract HPV at some point in their lives; however, only a small percentage of women will develop cervical cancer.&nbsp;<h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Who's at risk for cervical cancer?</h3>Cervical cancer is often associated with identifiable risk factors. Some of these factors can be modified, while others are beyond your control.&nbsp;Here are some risk factors you can control:<ul><li>Sexual intercourse at an early age:&nbsp;</li><li>HPV infection</li><li>HIV infection</li><li>Weakened immune system</li><li>Multiple pregnancies</li><li>Long term use ofirth control pills</li><li>Smoking: Cigarette smoking has been linked to a heightened risk of cervical cancer.</li></ul>While these risk factors re controllable, some are not.Example of an uncontrollable risk factor:<ul><li>Family history</li><li>Age&nbsp;</li></ul><h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?&nbsp;</h1>In its early stages, cervical cancer typically does not present any symptoms, making early detection challenging. Symptoms often emerge only after the cancer has progressed.&nbsp;When early-stage cervical cancer symptoms do manifest, they may include:<ul><li>Irregular vaginal bleeding or heavier menstrual periods</li><li>Vaginal bleeding after menopause</li><li>Vaginal bleeding post-intercourse</li><li>Unusual vaginal discharge that may be watery, foul-smelling, or blood-stained</li><li>Pelvic pain or discomfort during intercourse</li></ul>As cervical cancer advances, symptoms may encompass those of early-stage cancer, along with:<ul><li>Painful or difficult bowel movements</li><li>Bleeding from the anus during bowel movements</li><li>Painful urination&nbsp;</li><li>Blood in the urine</li><li>Persistent lower back pain</li><li>Swelling in the legs</li><li>Abdominal pain</li><li>Fatigue</li></ul>These symptoms can also be found in other conditions other than cervical cancer. Consulting a Doctor is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Delaying treatment for cervical cancer due to ignored symptoms can lead to less effective management.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Stages of cervical cancer</h2>The staging of cervical cancer indicates the degree of spread.There are 4 stages of cervical cancer progression and they are:<ul><li>Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix.</li><li>Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix and uterus but not to the pelvic wall or vagina.</li><li>Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower vagina and possibly the pelvic wall and nearby lymph nodes.</li><li>Stage IV: Cancer has spread to the bladder, rectum, or other distant parts of the body.</li></ul><h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">Preventing cervical cancer</h1>HPV vaccineThe HPV vaccine is designed to protect against the specific strains of HPV responsible for nearly all cervical cancer cases. Gardasil 9 is effective against nine HPV types, which together account for about 90% of cervical cancers. For optimal efficacy, the second dose should be administered six to twelve months after the first.Receiving the HPV vaccine does not eliminate the need for regular cervical cancer screening. Women vaccinated against HPV should have their first screening at age 25 and continue every five years thereafter.<h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">How is cervical cancer diagnosed?</h1><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_582d7737fd_6fccdf28fd.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/doctor-holding-radiography-side-view_32338454.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=31&amp;uuid=bbcea39a-f3bf-4fab-a3e3-86bd249d91bf">Image by freepik</a>Cervical cancer develops slowly over many years, hence the need for regular Pap smear ( The Pap smear is a procedure that screens for cervical cancer by collecting cervical cells from the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It can also reveal precancerous changes in these cells, enabling early intervention when required.In this test, a healthcare provider uses a speculum to gently open the vagina, providing access to the cervix. They then collect cell samples using a soft brush or spatula, which they preserve in a solution and send to a laboratory for analysis. The entire process typically takes just a few minutes and may cause slight discomfort, but it is usually not painful.) To detect early signs of cancer, if positive, a biopsy is ordered.The biopsy could be any of the following:<ul><li>Colposcopic biopsy</li><li>Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)</li><li>Cone biopsy&nbsp;</li><li>Endocervical curettage&nbsp;</li><li>Cold knife cone biopsy&nbsp;</li></ul>An HPV DNA test too can be ordered.Should the biopsy test come out as positive further investigations would be required to determine if the cancer has spread (metastasized) and to what extent.The other test include:&nbsp;<ul><li>Renal function test</li><li>Liver function test</li><li>X-ray of bladder, bowels, intestines</li><li>Urine Test</li><li>Ultrasound&nbsp;</li></ul><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Treatment</h2>Treatment of cervical cancer depends on:<ul><li>The stage of the cancer</li><li>The size and shape of the tumor</li><li>The woman's age and general health</li><li>Her desire to have children in the future</li></ul>Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing or destroying the precancerous or cancerous tissue. There are surgical ways to do this without removing the uterus or seriously damaging the cervix, so that a woman can still have children in the future.The following treatment options are available depending on the stage of the cancer:<ul><li>Laser therapy&nbsp;</li><li>Cryotherapy&nbsp;</li><li>Hysterectomy&nbsp;</li><li>Radiation therapy&nbsp;</li><li>Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure(LEEP)</li><li>Chemotherapy&nbsp;</li></ul><h3 style="margin-left:0cm;">Support Groups</h3>Joining a cancer support group can provide emotional relief and connection with others facing similar challenges. Sharing experiences can help alleviate feelings of isolation.<h1 style="margin-left:0cm;">Conclusion</h1>Early detection of cervical cancer is key to effective treatment, making regular Pap smear screenings essential. The HPV vaccine, now available in three different versions, provides crucial protection against the virus that often leads to cervical cancer. Staying on top of both vaccinations and screenings is important for reducing risk. Furthermore, involving family and connecting with support networks can greatly support your journey through treatment.

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women, yet it’s preventable and treatable. Find out how to protect yourself.

Understanding Cervical Cancer, Causes, Symptoms and Management

Chronic illnesses

Women's Health

<a href="https://unsplash.com/@freestocks?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash%22%3efreestocks%3c/a%3e%20on%20%3ca%20href=%22https://unsplash.com/photos/woman-holding-stomach-ux53SGpRAHU?utm_content=creditCopyText&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=unsplash">Photo by Unsplash</a>Pre-eclampsia is a complication of pregnancy that affects about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.05.18.22275250v1.full">5–8%&nbsp;</a>of all pregnant women in Nigeria and Africa. It is a leading cause of maternal and infant morbidity and mortality in Nigeria and Africa.The International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy&nbsp;<a href="https://isshp.org/the-definition-of-severe-and-early-onset-preeclampsia-statements-from-the-isshp/">defines</a> pre-eclampsia as hypertension that occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy with one or more of proteinuria (protein in the urine) and abnormalities in organ function.&nbsp;The symptoms of pre-eclampsia can be subtle and may not appear until late in pregnancy, which is why it is often referred to as the&nbsp;“silent killer” of pregnant women.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Causes of pre-eclampsia</h2>The exact cause of pre-eclampsia is unknown. However, research suggests that pre-eclampsia may result from problems with the blood vessels in the placenta may cause it.&nbsp;The placenta is the organ that connects the baby to the mother's blood supply. In pre-eclampsia, the blood vessels in the placenta become narrowed, which can&nbsp;decrease blood flow to the baby.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Signs and symptoms of pre-eclampsia</h2>Pregnant women with pre-eclampsia may present with:<ul><li>High blood pressure</li><li>Protein in the urine</li><li>Swelling in the face, hands, and feet</li><li>Sudden weight gain</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Vision changes</li><li>Abdominal pain (you can say epigastric pain)</li><li>Nausea and vomiting</li></ul>It is important to note that these symptoms may not always be present, and some women may not experience any symptoms at all. That is why&nbsp;pregnant women should attend all their antenatal appointments and have their blood pressure and urine checked regularly.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Pre-eclampsia may hurt the mother and baby</h2>Untreated pre-eclampsia can lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. In addition, pre-eclampsia can cause&nbsp;severe damage to the mother's organs, such as the liver and kidneys, and increase the risk of stroke and other complications such as eclampsia.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Who is at risk of pre-eclampsia?</h2>Several risk factors can increase a woman's chances of developing pre-eclampsia. These include:<ul><li>First-time pregnancy</li><li>Age (women over 40 are at higher risk)</li><li>Multiple pregnancies (i.e., women carrying multiple babies like twins, triplets etc.)</li><li>Obesity</li><li>A family history of pre-eclampsia</li><li>Chronic hypertension</li><li>Diabetes</li><li>Kidney disease</li><li>Lupus</li></ul>Also, a woman is more likely to get pre-eclampsia again if she has had it during a previous pregnancy.&nbsp;Studies have shown that pre-eclampsia happens more often in Africa than in other parts of the world. This is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Diagnosis and treatment of pre-eclampsia</h2>Pre-eclampsia is diagnosed through routine antenatal care. If your care provider suspects that you have pre-eclampsia is suspected, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing.The treatment for pre-eclampsia depends on the severity of the condition and how far along you are in your pregnancy. In some cases, early delivery may be necessary to protect the health of the mother and the baby. But if the baby isn't ready, your doctor may suggest medicines to control blood pressure, bed rest, and other treatments to help&nbsp;support the pregnancy.<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Importance of early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://tenbadgers-myhealthvoice.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/image_87a8c767ff_567cb3a7da.webp"></figure><a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/woman-expecting-child-doing-examination-with-medic-medical-office-general-practitioner-consulting-pregnant-patient-check-pregnancy-healthcare-physician-helping-mother_22298434.htm#fromView=search&amp;page=1&amp;position=0&amp;uuid=b8b72d1a-9e29-4363-8da2-20a11cdf9aab">Image by DC Studio on Freepik</a>Early detection and treatment of pre-eclampsia are crucial&nbsp;to preventing serious complications. This is why pregnant women should attend regular antenatal care appointments, where their blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored.&nbsp;<h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">Preventing&nbsp;pre-eclampsia</h2>While it is not always possible and there is no surefre way to prevent pre-eclampsia, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing pre-eclampsia. Here are a few tips to help ensure a healthy pregnancy:<ol><li>Visit your healthcare provider regularly: Early and regular antenatal care is essential for detecting and managing potential complications, including pre-eclampsia.</li><li>Eating a balanced and healthy diet:&nbsp;enrich your diet&nbsp;with fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.</li><li>Stay active: Regular exercise, such as walking or&nbsp;pelvic floor exercises, can help improve circulation and prevent hypertension.</li><li>Maintain a healthy weight: Eat small portions of food, drink plenty of water, and curb your desire to binge on foods</li><li>Control any pre-existing medical conditions: If you have diabetes or kidney disease,&nbsp;see a doctor to manage them before or during pregnancy.</li><li>Avoid smoking and alcohol intake:&nbsp;both can increase your risk of pre-eclampsia.</li></ol><h2 style="margin-left:0cm;">A final word</h2>Pre-eclampsia is a serious pregnancy complication that can have serious consequences for both the mother and baby. However, the outcome can be positive if it's detected and managed early.By understanding the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and ways to reduce your risk, you can take steps to protect yourself and your baby. So, always be informed and proactive about your health during pregnancy.

No pregnant woman should have to worry about pre-eclampsia. Understanding the risks can help ensure a safe pregnancy.

Understanding Cervical Cancer, Causes, Symptoms and Management

What Every Woman Should Know Pre-eclampsia