Cervical Cancer Vaccine - What You Need To Know

Cancer of the cervical region is known to occur when the cells of the cervix attempt to grow uncontrollably and abnormally thereby spreading into other organs and tissues of the body. Now when the growth turns invasive they delve deeper affecting the cells of the cervix. If this happens then the cancer cell goes on affecting vagina, liver, rectum, and gall bladder.

This phenomenon of a cancer cell originating from a region and invading its way into other organs and tissues is hereby referred to as metastasis. One of the features of this cancer variant which differentiates it from the other types of cancer existing is its slow-moving behavioural pattern.

Most individuals turn out to be bemused when faced with the question 'what is cervical cancer?' but first, one should understand 'what is cancer?'. Cancer cells when mushroom all the way from one region of the human body to another, it is said that the spreading action has begun. Needless to say, cervical cancer originates from no other part than the cervix. For the ones who aren’t acquainted with the cervix, then get yourself informed that it actually refers to the lower part of the uterus, or what you call a womb. So it wouldn’t be hard to guess that only women fall prey to this type of cancer. One can say cervix to be the lining that connects the vagina to the uterus.

Types Of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is of certain kinds and is probably the only type of cancer which can be detected before the cancer symptoms start appearing. The cervical cancer cells, when observed under an electron microscope, leads to two existent types.

Squamous cell carcinomas - Reportedly affecting about 9 out of 10 women, this type of cancer originates from the exocervix. It is so named because it seems to imitate the behavioral pattern of squamous cells when placed under a microscope.

Adenocarcinomas - Although wasn’t very common before 30 years, this type of cancer is making itself noticed almost recently. It originates mainly from the gland cells of the endocervix. To be precise, usually, the mucous cell is the main culprit.

Mixed carcinomas - Usually said to inhibit features of the above types, the occurrences of these are quite rare.

What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer?

Women are repeatedly advised to sit in for pelvic exams and Pap tests on a regular basis for the one and only reason is that cervical cancer doesn’t show any cancer symptoms in the early stages. However, these are the most prominent and recognizable symptoms which women should not overlook:

• Pain during intercourse

Most women tend to ignore this major symptom. However, studies reveal that this is one of the most prominent cervical cancer symptoms your body starts producing to indirectly tell you that you might be suffering from cancer.

Vaginal bleeding

This may or may not be one of the early cancer symptoms. If one notices constant bleeding during intercourse, or even after the completion of the menstrual cycle quite often, then one should go in for a pap test immediately. Another thing to notice would be if the duration and the flow of the menstrual cycles are intensified than normal.

• Foul odour associated with vaginal discharge

However, if the cancer is not in its early stages and have progressed to the following stages, then here are some cervical cancer symptoms one may come across:

Swelling in legs and a sharp back pain

Loss of appetite

Sudden weight loss

Difficulty urinating and defecating

Nausea, constipation, and vomiting

Can A Vaccine Prevent The Trigger Of Cervical Cancer?

Studies prove that most cases of cervical cancer are given rise by an infection known as human papillomavirus abbreviated as HPV. This cancer vaccine serves as a safeguard against the cervical cancer cells. Women receiving this vaccine as an early age possess a chance of 70% of not getting attacked by any cervical cancer cell. Scientists reveal that worldwide awareness regarding the cervical cancer vaccine can help to reduce the number of patients falling prey to this fatal disease.

How Can An HPV Vaccine Help?

As mentioned, HPV is an infection which spreads through sexual contact. Though HPV is not responsible for all types of cervical cancer but it accounts for the maximum cases. Both young girls and boys are administered dosages of this cancer vaccine to prevent the spread of HPV strands. These are the number of vaccines which are recognized almost globally:

Cervarix - only administered to young girls.

Gardasil - it is designed to be effective to both boys and girls.

Gardasil 9 - although this can also be given to immunize both girls and boys, it seems to be very effective in protecting girls from more HPV strains.

All these 3 vaccines would only turn out to effective in curbing cervical cancer if it is administered before the women come in contact with the virus.

Who should be injected with the cervical cancer vaccine?

Earlier studies stated that the best age in which one should be vaccinated is in between 11-12. however recent studies reveal, that giving cancer vaccine to girls and boys at a younger age of 8-9 would be potent to prevent the spread of HPV virus.

However one can also start the cancer treatment of getting immunized with the vaccines in between 15-25. In that case, 3 dosages are required to be administered.

Who Should Be Injected With The Cervical Cancer Vaccine?

Earlier studies stated that the best age in which one should be vaccinated is in between 11-12. however recent studies reveal, that giving cancer vaccine to girls and boys at a younger age of 8-9 would be potent to prevent the spread of HPV virus.

However one can also start the cancer treatment of getting immunized with the vaccines in between 15-25. In that case, 3 dosages are required to be administered.

What Are Some Of The Cervical Cancer Treatment Approaches Available?

The cervical treatment procedures largely depend upon cervical cancer stages. For example, the best cancer treatment procedure if cervical cancer gets detected in the early stages, then the combination of radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy is often implemented. And in the late stages, chemo infused with radiation is generally chosen.

What Are Some Of The Cervical Cancer Causes?

Most chances of getting attacked with cervical cancer are due to an HPV infection. Having multiple sexual partners, using oral contraceptive are some of the causes of HPV exposure. Other forms of HPV are also known to cause skin warts which may also lead to cancer. Other cervical cancer causes also might be present but still yet to be identified.

Who Shouldn't Take The Cancer Vaccine?

Pregnant women shouldn’t take the HPV vaccine. And also the ones who are severely ill shouldn’t consider taking it. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before taking any cancer vaccine.