What is Cervical Cancer – Health Essay
Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix. “Cancer is a class of diseases or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division of cells and the ability of these cells to invade of the tissues, either by direct growth
into adjacent tissue through invasion or by
implantation into distant sites by “metastasis”.” (Wikipedia) The cervix is the lower narrow part of the uterus. The uterus is where a baby grows during a woman’s pregnancy.
The cervix forms the pathway that opens into the vagina, which leads outside the body.
Cervical cancer is a very dangerous disease that can be prevented by getting regular pap smear tests and pelvic exams. Cervical cancer develops in the lining of the cervix; this condition usually develops over time. Normal cervical cells gradually go through changes to become precancerous and then cancerous. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is the term used to describe the changes. CIN is used to classify the degree of cell abnormality. Low-grade CIN means minimal change in the cells and high-grade CIN means there’s a greater degree of abnormality. (Yarbro)
Cancer of the cervix is the second most common worldwide, next to breast cancer, and is a leading cause of cancer-related death in women in underdeveloped countries. Invasive cervical cancer is more common in women middle aged and older and in women of poor socioeconomic status, who are less likely to receive regular screening and early treatment. There is also a higher rate of incidence among African American, Hispanic, and Native American women. (Hales)The cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually. Evidence of HPV is found in nearly 80% of cervical carcinomas. (Yarbro) Having multiple sexual partners, history of STD’s, and sexual intercourse at a young age are all sexual activities that increase risk of the HPV infection.