What is cervical cancer?

Hello everyone, I promised I would keep you updated on my personal research about cervical cancer, so here it is. Below are some basic questions and answers I found on www.cancercenter.com. I look forward to learning the ins and outs about this specific type of cancer and hopefully answering any questions you may have. Feel free to leave topics/questions!

What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the cervix. The cervix is located in the lower portion of the uterus. It connects the uterus (where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant) to the vagina (birth canal).

Typically, cervical cancer develops slowly. The cancerous cells begin to grow in the tissues of the cervix. Gradually, the cells spread throughout the cervix and to surrounding areas.

Who does cervical cancer affect? The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that approximately 11,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008.

Did you know, from 2000-2004, the average age for women diagnosed with cervical cancer was 48!?

RISKS:

-Socioeconomic status is a major risk factor for cervical cancer
-Smoking
-A high number of sexual partners and sexual intercourse at an early age are other risk factors
-The most significant risk factor for developing cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus primarily spread through sexual contact.
** Many women who have cervical cancer also have HPV.

Routine gynecological examinations, including Pap tests, remain the most effective way to prevent invasive cervical cancer. Pap tests (or Pap smears) are simple procedures that enable doctors to look at cells from the cervix to determine if they may be cancerous or precancerous.

FROM ME TO YOU:

The research I am assisting with is conducting one-on-one interviews and focus groups with women diagnosed with HIV and Cervical Cancer to get to the root of why it is difficult for women to maintain their doctors' appointments and pap smears.

As a future nurse, I want to find out the problems that lie within the communities and homes of women diagnosed with cervical cancer and the many other women's health issues and improve the quality and access to care. I also have been coding some one-on-one interviews that were previously conducted in order to find specific trends among women around Alabama in relation to knowledge on cervical cancer, HIV, and what they can do to prevent the spread of the cancer and promote prevention. In the meantime, spread the word to your family members, friends, and even associates about getting Pap smears. I can't stress enough how important it is!