Did you know? A virus can put you at risk of cervical cancer. Yes! The Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is a type of virus that is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which is a high-risk virus that can cause cervical cancer. However, the low-risk HPV virus is not known to cause any specific disease. Cervical cancer is one of the most common deciese in women.. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth leading cancer in women. Nearly 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by an infection with human Papilloma viruses (HPV), a virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. Cancer of the cervix does not develop suddenly, but precancerous changes can eventually lead to its development. Approximately 80-90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and 10-20% are adenocarcinoma. The incidence of adenocarcinoma is on the rise and is mostly seen in younger women. A majority of cervical cancer cases occur in women between the ages of 35 and 44, rarely in women under 20, and 15% in women over 65.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix that develops gradually over a period of time. It is a malignant tumor that develops in the lowermost part of the uterus. Malignant tumors are cancerous growths that have the ability to spread to distinct parts of the body by a process called metastasis. They can be spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system or through the bloodstream.
The high-risk type of human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. Usually, HPV infections go away as the immune system controls the infection. But, when a high-risk HPV infection lasts for several years it gradually develops changes in cells of the cervix. If this change is left unidentified and untreated, it turns to become a cancerous growth. Cervical cancer screening helps identify the precancerous stages where abnormal cells that can later develop into cancer can be detected.
Of many cancers that are detected, cervical cancer is one of those cancers that can be prevented. Cervical cancer can be prevented by taking regular screenings and getting the HPV vaccine. With routine cervical cancer screening, Pap-smear tests, and follow-up treatment, cervical cancer is highly preventable.
Usually, it takes 3 to 7 years for the changes occurring in the cervical cells to develop into cancer. Getting tested for cervical cancer frequently helps identify whether there are low-grade changes or high-grade changes in the cervical cells. Cervical cancer screening helps to notice the changes in the cells of the cervix that might gradually develop into cancer cells. It is recommended that women should begin taking Pap tests right from the age of 21 years. Cervical cancer screening includes a Pap test and an HPV test. In a Pap test, the sample is examined to look for the presence of any abnormal cells growing in the cervix. Whereas in an HPV screening test, the sample is tested for the presence of any high-risk types of human papilloma virus. Cervical cancer detection at an early stage can significantly lower the chances of cervical cancer, which gets challenging to treat at the later stages.
With the global cancer burden increasing every year, you, as a clinical oncologist will have the power to impact innumerable lives. This course has been designed by leading oncologists for ambitious doctors like you, who want to work in the exciting field of oncology and to equip you to provide supportive care and rehabilitation and handle oncological emergencies. The Medvarsity Learning Design framework (Certificate, Advanced Certificate, and Fellowship Level I & II course in Clinical Oncology is based on Kirkpatrick’s model of e-learning and allows the systematic consumption and application of the content.
Simulation Training on BLS & ACLS By enrolling in the certification or fellowship courses you will be able to serving your community with optimum care. Discover how you can impact the lives and help serve your community better. Choose from Medvarsity’s certification and fellowship programs to fast-track your career.