Cervical cancer is defined as cervix cancer. It is the most prevalent and deadly type of cancer in women. If identified early, it is highly preventable and treated. It occurs because many women are still uninformed of the disease’s causes and symptoms. Cervical cancer can happen to anyone with a cervix. Individuals above the age of 30 are more likely to be affected.
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by chronic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. During sex, a common virus known as HPV is passed from one person to another. At some point in their lives, at least half of all people who engage in sexual activity will be infected with HPV. Even yet, only a tiny minority of women will develop cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer improves treatment options, length of survival, and quality of life significantly.
What is Cervical Cancer?
One of the most common cancers in women is cervical cancer. It is characterized as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cervix lining cells. Cervical cancer is treatable and preventable if detected early and managed properly.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Long-term infection with particular types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. HPV is a viral virus that spreads from person to person by sexual contact. When people are exposed to HPV, their immune systems usually prevent the virus from causing harm. Nonetheless, the virus can live for years in a small percentage of people, speeding up the process by which specific cervical cells develop into cancer cells. The following factors can also cause cervical cancer:
- An unusually high number of pregnancies
- Multiple sexual partners
- Smoking
- Immune system weakness
- Other sexually transmitted infections like chlamydia, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, and herpes.
- Regardless of age, all women risk being infected with the HPV virus, which can spread through skin contact and sexual activity.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Symptoms of a precancerous cervix lesion are uncommon. Cervical cancer symptoms or signs are typical in the early stages. Depending on the tissues and organs involved, the symptoms of advanced cervical cancer that have spread to other parts of the body may be more severe.
Symptoms are physical changes in your body that you can notice. Signs are changes in something that can be monitored, such as your blood pressure or a lab result. When symptoms and indicators are combined, they might help to describe a medical issue. Patients should seek medical attention if a new symptom or sign does not go away since it could be caused by a medical condition other than cancer.
Cervical cancer symptoms or signs could include any of the following:
- Blood spots or mild bleeding between or after periods.
- Menstrual bleeding, which is thicker and lasts longer than usual.
- Bleeding after sexual activity, douching, or a pelvic inspection.
- Increased vaginal discharge.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Bleeding post-menopause.
- Unknown cause of constant pelvic and back pain.
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Anemia
You should contact your doctor if you encounter any of these symptoms. If you notice these symptoms, you should see your doctor, even if they appear to be symptoms of other, less severe conditions. The earlier precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix are found and treated, the better the chances of preventing or curing the cancer.
5 Red Flags for Cervical Cancer:
Aside from routine Pap tests and HPV testing for screening purposes, awareness of any warning signs is essential. The five most prevalent cervical cancer symptoms are as follows:
- Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: On rare occasions, many women experience irregular periods or spotting, but changes that are unusual for you could indicate something more serious. Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding during or after intercourse, between periods, after menopause, or having longer periods than usual, is likely an indication of advanced cervical cancer, according to medical authorities.
- Unusual Discharge: Although vaginal discharge is normal, the type of discharge you experience may indicate vaginal health. You may notice a foul-smelling discharge that is pink, brown, or purple if you have cervical cancer. It might be difficult to distinguish between discharge caused by cervical cancer and the many other types of abnormal discharge. Another reason for routine testing is to rule out anything concerning.
- Painful Sexual Intercourse: Women with advanced cervical cancer may experience pain during sexual activity due to tumor growth in their tissues and reproductive organs. Pain during intercourse can be caused by a number of different circumstances.
- Pain in the Pelvic Region: Despite being a widespread complaint, menstruation cramps are not the most common cause of pelvic aches and pains. If you get pelvic pain outside of your normal menstrual cycle, this could indicate a problem. The discomfort could be intense or subtle, spread across the pelvic area or concentrated in one spot. Pain is the body’s way of sending a warning signal in either instance.
- Bowel Movement Complications: Cervical cancer can alter a woman’s urine and bowel motions. If you have an increasing need to urinate or if the consistency of your stool changes over time, this could indicate that cancer has spread to your kidneys, bladder, or colon.
Food for Cervical Cancer Prevention:
A healthy diet plays an essential role in the prevention of cervical cancer. The following are the primary elements and causes for risk-reducing eating habits:
- Include Fruits & Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are high in essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These features promote a healthy immune system and aid in the fight against HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer.
- Opt for Colorful Produce: Colorful fruits and vegetables, such as berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens, are strong in antioxidants, which protect cells from harm and reduce the possibility of cancerous cell growth.
- Limit Processed Meats and Saturated Fats: Consuming a lot of processed meat and high fats may increase your chances of acquiring cervical cancer. Instead, focus on lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats such as avocados and almonds.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Cervical Cancer:
Cancer in female reproductive organs has recently increased and is a major public health concern. While contemporary medicine has improved several aspects of patients’ life, Ayurveda has some unique cervical cancer remedies. Let’s look at some Ayurvedic treatments.
- Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha is a versatile herb that has long been used by Ayurvedic practitioners. It is a great antioxidant because it has potent anti-inflammatory characteristics that aid in the fight against cancer cell proliferation, making it useful in the treatment or prevention of cervical cancer.
- Lodhra (Symplocus Racemosa): The herb is available as a powder or capsule extract. It is especially useful for treating vaginal discharges and menstrual problems. Furthermore, it is extremely effective in treating cervix and other female reproductive system cancers.
- Shatavari (Asparagus Racemosus): Shatavari, as a plant, is particularly beneficial in improving libido and energy for daily duties in women. Ayurvedic practitioners have utilized this plant to treat female sexual issues since ancient times. Avoiding cervical cancer and preventing the growth of cancer cells in female reproductive organs are two key additional benefits.
- Ashoka Bark of Daraka Indica: This is a frequent added ingredient for female health products. Because it has been demonstrated to lessen the discomfort and suffering caused by tumors in a variety of organs, Ashoka bark is useful for female reproductive health. This natural treatment also effectively relieves severe PMS symptoms and menstrual problems. As a result, it can reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer and keep it under control.
- Guggul (Commiphora Mukul): This herb is utilized in numerous health tonics due to its rejuvenating effects. It can be especially helpful in the treatment of cervical cancer since it feeds the body with many important minerals that other medications or meals cannot.
Conclusion:
Ayurvedic cervical cancer prevention relies on nutrition, lifestyle practices, and involvement in certain activities. People can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer and improve their overall health by consuming nutritious foods, leading a healthy lifestyle, practicing safe sex, being vaccinated, and having regular screenings. These preventative actions are critical in the fight against cervical cancer and in improving the health of women.
Being the Best Cervical Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad, Punarjan Ayurveda dedicates all its services to eliminating the deadly fear of cancer.
Also, read: best cancer hospital in kerala