Cervical Cancer: Causes, Early Signs, and Life-Saving Prevention Strategies

• Cervical cancer is largely preventable, developing slowly over years, offering a crucial window for intervention through regular screening and vaccination.
• Most cases are caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18, which lead to abnormal cervical cell changes.
• Risk factors include early sexual activity, multiple partners, smoking, compromised immune systems (HIV, immunosuppressive medication), prolonged oral contraceptive use, lack of routine screening, and family history.
• Early stages often show no symptoms, highlighting the importance of regular testing; however, abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, and pelvic pain are warning signs as the disease progresses.
• Early detection through Pap smears and HPV tests, combined with HPV vaccination, dramatically improves prognosis and forms the strongest defense against the disease.

Why It Matters: Early detection, regular screening, and HPV vaccination are crucial for preventing and treating cervical cancer effectively.