In Malaysia, it is estimated that there are over 3,000 new cases of cervical cancer every year. Despite being the third most prevalent cancer among women in Malaysia, the general public masih ada a lower understanding about cervical cancer.
This can be attributed to the lack of awareness or initiatives regarding cervical cancers, or because people are not giving sufficient attention to cervical carcinomas similar to how they do for other forms of cancer such as breast malignancy.
Tapi, worry not! We’re here to help you fit the jigsaw pieces of cervical cancer together – from its definition to its available effective treatment, so that you too can stay up-to-date about this deadly disease.
So, Cervical Cancer Tu Apa?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. The cervix is the opening of the womb and can be found at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer is often initially diagnosed through abnormal cell growth on the surface of the cervix. If these cells are not detected and treated early, they can spread deeper into the cervix and to other parts of the body—making things lagi complicated.
What Causes Cervical Cancer, Though?
The human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be transmitted from one person to another during intercourse, is the main cause of nearly all cases of cervical carcinoma. There are various HPV subtypes — while other varieties of HPV can result in genital or skin warts, some HPV types can alter a woman’s cervix and eventually lead to cervical cancer.
Although it is stated that HPV will typically go away on its own in most women, should it not, there is a potential that it could eventually lead to cervical cancer.
Jadi, Siapa Yang Sebenarnya Berisiko Tinggi?
Simply put, a risk factor is anything that raises a person’s likelihood of contracting a disease—in this case, cervical cancer.
In general, cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed in women aged 35 – 44 years old. Tapi, it can occur at any age, even those aged 20 years old (jarang, tapi bukan impossible).
There are several factors that can increase your risk of cervical cancer, including:
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke includes toxic compounds that can disrupt DNA and result in chromosomal abnormalities, which can increase the chance of getting cervical cancer.
- Having several sexual partners: Women who have had numerous partners are more likely to contract STIs and other sexually transmitted illnesses (HPV infection and other STIs are more likely to occur), which can raise their risk of cervical cancer.
- Weak immune system: People who have weakened immune systems may find it more difficult to successfully combat HPV infections or other illnesses that could cause cervical cancer.
Tapi, one thing to keep in mind is that the factors listed above can be changed — maksudnya if we can ubah cara lifestyle kita, we could potentially lower the changeable risk factors of developing cervical cancer.
However, salah satu unchangeable factors would be the — family history. Your odds of getting cervical cancer are higher if your mother or sister had it, as it “possibly” runs in the family.
Tapi jangan risau sangat sebab this does not imply that cervical cancer is a hereditary disease or that it is always passed down through generations.
What About The Symptoms?
Most often, it has been reported that, there are no symptoms or indicators of early-stage cervical cancer.
Tapi, more advanced cervical cancer can show these signs and symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding following sex, during periods, or following menopause
- Possibly thick and odorous watery, bloody vaginal discharge
- Pelvic ache or discomfort during intimacy
- Painful urination, occasionally with blood
- Diarrhoea or bleeding during defecation
- Weight loss, fatigue, reduced/loss of appetite
Macam Mana Doctor Diagnose Cervical Cancer?
Generally, terdapat banyak jenis method of diagnosing and screening for cervical cancer, and it’s important to know which ones are right for you.
Yang paling basic would be the Pap test, also known as a smear test. This involves taking a small number of cell samples from the cervix and sending them to be examined in a laboratory. Pap tests can easily be done at your GP surgery, sexual health clinic or gynaecologist’s office.
Another common method of diagnosis is an HPV test. This involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and testing them for the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a main cause of cervical cancer. HPV tests can be done at the same time as a Pap test, or on their own.
Screening for cervical cancer can also be done using a method called liquid-based cytology (LBC). This involves taking a sample of cells from the cervix and suspending them in liquid before they’re sent to a laboratory for analysis. LBC is thought to be more accurate than Pap tests and can be done at the same time as an HPV test.
If you think you may have symptoms of cervical cancer, tolong consult your GP as soon as possible so that you can get diagnosed and treated early. Ok?
Ingat! Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it can help to prevent it.
Jadi, Lepas Dah Diagnosed, What Are The Possible Therapies?
Secara asasnya, you and your doctor will work together to choose the best treatment for you, based on the type and stage of your cancer, your overall health, and your personal preferences.
Some of the popular treatment options of Cervical Cancer include:
- Surgery – Usually the first treatment option for early-stage cervical cancer, where a surgeon removes some or all of the cervix depending on how far the cancer has spread.
- Radiation therapy – Used alongside surgery for early-stage cervical cancer, as well as for advanced stages. This involves using high energy beams of radiation to kill off cancer cells in and around the affected area.
- Chemotherapy – Offered as a treatment if a person’s cervical cancer has spread beyond their cervix. This involves using drugs to kill off cancer cells in other parts of their body.
Selain these treatments, there are other options available that may be recommended based on an individual’s particular circumstances. Ini termasuklah immunotherapy, which uses substances made by our own bodies to stimulate our immune system to fight against cancer cells; targeted therapy that uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in tumour growth; and hormone therapy that blocks hormones from binding with receptors in cancer cells.
Tak kisah what type of treatment you are offered for your cervical cancer, it’s important to talk to your doctor about all your options, so you can make an informed decision together about what will work best for you.
Ingat tau! Jangan take it lightly.
In a nutshell…
Cervical cancer can be a difficult and worrying illness, however, it is important to remember the many treatments and preventative measures that are available.
Yang paling simple would be following a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly to remain healthy, as well as practising safe sex – in order to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
It is also important to stay up-to-date about available diagnosis methods and screenings. Talk to your doctor about which screenings are right for you, and make sure to get a Pap smear on a regular basis, tau! Sebab with early detection and treatment, cervical cancer is certainly beatable. Jiayou!
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Disclaimer: Our content is strictly for educational and informational purposes only. Healthlah.com does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
