Cervical Cancer

***This public awareness service is brought to you by BenardCometh Revelations for the benefit of all***

Do you know that Cervical Cancer is the SECOND most common cancer among Malaysian women?

Do you know that the Cervical Cancer is caused by a common virus that goes by the name Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?

Do you know that at least 50% of people who are sexually active will get genetial HPV?

Do you know that half of females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years old of which many were most likely exposed to cancer-causing HPV types during their teens and 20s.

Bet you do not know that Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth in the cervix.

For those who thought cervix is some kind of food, you are seriously confused. Find some help. Quick.

The Cervix is the part of the uterus that connects the upper part of the uterus and the vagina.

(Don't even ask me what is uterus and vagina. You should have learned this in school. If you don't know, that means either you are not paying attention in class or you are just plain weird.)

Now, Cervical Cancer is a serious condition that can be life threatening which begins when a woman are infected with certain types of HPV and the immune system is not effective of which makes the normal cells begin to grow abnormally and turn into precancerous lesions.

So, what exactly is HPV?

It is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 types of the virus. Most of the HPV types are harmless and symptom-less though.

There are about 30 types of HPV that are known as genital HPV since they affect the genital area.

(Of course lah, Genital HPV affect genital area and not other area. If not, it would not be called genital HPV now would it?)

Go google about it if you want to know more, long story short, HPV is bad mmmmmkay. HPV are also been linked to other rare diseases including vaginal and vulvar cancers. HPV may not show any symptoms which means you could be transmitting the virus without even knowing it. Yes, you who are sexually active.

Actually, anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV, EVEN if there is no sexual intercourse.

(How can that happen? without sexual intercourse? I will let your hyperactive imagination take over for now. I am sure you know what.)

Now, how do you know if you have HPV?

Well, you don't because HPV usually has no signs or symptoms and most people who are infected with HPV don't even know they have it. There are currently no proven treatment for HPV and for majority of people who have HPV, their body's immune system are enough to clear the virus.

However, serious HPV will lead to cancer and can be treated successfully if detected early. Which means that early detection is very very important.

Lets see the options to help prevent cervical cancer and HPV infection.

First, You will need to go for regular pap tests.

Second, Abstinence from all sexual activities.

Third, Maintain monogamous relationship with someone who has had no other or only few sex partners previously.

Fourth, Limit the number of partners you have and choose your partners carefully. The fewer partners your partner has had, the less likely he or she have HPV.

Fifth, Condoms may help reduce but is not fully protective against infection.

Sixth, Vaccination with HPV vaccine.

(I would think those who are sexually active would want to go for this. 3 doses for Rm1500 I heard)

P/S: Vaccination is available to prevent HPV infection and may reduce the risk of cervical cancer and HPV related diseases.

Ideally females should get the vaccine before they are sexually active aka virgins. The reason for this is that the vaccine is most effective in women/girls who have not yet acquired any of the HPV types covered by the vaccine.


Lastly, it is better to refrain from being sexually active with a lot of partners or IF **ehem** you really have to be sexually active, then before that get VACCINATED and do the proper prevention measures.

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE

***End of awareness service by BenardCometh Revelations***

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