17/11/2025
WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?
The development of normal human cells mostly depends on the cell’s chromosomes. Chromosomes are large molecules of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). DNA is the chemical that carries the instructions for nearly everything our cells do. We resemble our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than our outward appearance.
Some genes (packets of DNA) have instructions for controlling when our cells grow and divide. Certain genes that promote cell division are called oncogenes others that slow down cell division or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes.
Cancer can be caused by DNA mutations (genes defects) that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumour suppressor genes. Scientists now think that Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) causes production of 2 proteins known as E6 and E7. When these proteins are produced, they turn off some tumor suppressor genes. This may allow the cervical lining cells to grow uncontrollably, which in some cases will lead to cancer.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). It is sometimes called the uterine cervix. The body (upper part) of the uterus is where a fetus grows. The cervix connects the body of the uterus to the va**na (birth canal). The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called the endocervix. The part next to the va**na is the exocervix. The place where these 2 parts meet is called the transformation zone. Most cervical cancers start in the transformation zone.
Many s*xually active women become infected with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), but very few will ever develop Cervical Cancer. In some cases, the body immune system fights off the virus, and the infection goes away without any treatment. In most cases, the infection persists in some women and can cause cervical cancer. Researchers believe that other factors must come into play for Cervical Cancer to develop. Some of the factors are:
📍Smoking: To***co by-products have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. Researchers believe that these substances damage the DNA of cervix cells and may contribute to the development of Cervical Cancer.
📍Chlamydia infection: Chlamydia is a relatively common kind of bacteria that can infect the reproductive system. It is spread by s*xual contacts. Some studies have seen a higher risk of Cervical Cancer in women whose blood test results show past or current Chlamydia infection.
Immuno suppression: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDs, damages the body’s immune system and makes women more at risk for HPV infection. Scientists believe that the immune system is important in destroying cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread. In women with HIV, a cervical pre-cancer might develop into an invasive cancer faster than it normally would.
📍Diet: Women with diets low in fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk for cervical cancer. Also overweight women are more likely to develop cancer of the cervix.
📍Oral contraceptives (birth control pills): There is evidence that taking oral contraceptives for a long time (a period of 5 – 10 years), increases the risk of cancer of the cervix.
📍Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): A woman with multiple s*xual partners should use condom to lower the risk of s*xually transmitted diseases i.e. HIV damages the immune system and makes women more at risk for HPV infections.
📍Low socio-economic status/Lack of awareness: Poverty is also a risk factor for Cervical Cancer. Many women with low incomes do not have ready access to adequate health care services. Ignorance remains the underlying risk factor for most women.
📍Multiple pregnancies: Women who have had full term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing Cervical Cancer. Studies have pointed to hormonal changes during pregnancy as possibly making women more susceptible to HPV infection. Another research shows that the immune system of pregnant women might be weaker, allowing HPV infection and cancer growth.
📍Family history of cervical cancer: Cervical Cancer may run in some families. If a person’s mother or sister had cervical cancer, the chances of developing the disease are increased by 2 to 3 times. Some researchers suspect that some instances of this familial tendency are caused by an inherited condition that makes some women less able to fight off HPV infection than others.
Take Note: The voice over in the video is the voice of Mrs. Ivy Umeh who recently passed on due to misdiagnosis and late presentation of cervical cancer. This video is for educational purposes
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