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CANCER
FACTS - Uterine Cervix
| Signs
and Symptoms |
Abnormal
vaginal bleeding or spotting; abnormal vaginal discharge. Pain and
systemic symptoms are late manifestations of the disease. |
| Risk
Factors |
Cervical
cancer risk is closely linked to sexual behavior and to sexually
transmitted infections with certain types of human papillomavirus.
Women who have sex at an early age, many sexual partners, or have
partners who have had many sexual partners are at higher risk of
developing the disease. Other risk factors include cigarette smoking
and low socioeconomic status. |
| Early
Detection |
The
Pap test is a simple procedure that can be performed by a health
care professional as part of a pelvic exam. A small sample of cells
is swabbed from the cervix, transferred to a slide, and examined
under a microscope. This test should be performed annually with
a pelvic exam in women who are, or have been, sexually active or
no later than 21 years of age. After three or more consecutive annual
exams with normal findings, the Pap test may be performed less frequently
at the discretion of the physician. |
Source:
Cancer Facts & Figures 1998 - American Cancer Society
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