Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Screening For Cervical Cancer

Screening for cervical cancer helps identify and prevent cervical cancer from spreading. Early detection is the key to a higher survival rate. Having regular pap smears and checking for HPV are successful ways to locate cervical cancer in its early stages.


Significance


Screening for cervical cancer is crucial for quick recovery. Identifying it early allows doctors to treat it before it spreads, preventing cancer in other organs.


Identification


Cervical cancer is identified by locating abnormal cell growth in the cervix. A doctor scrapes the inside of the cervix and observes the sample through a microscope.


Types


A pap smear is used to locate abnormal cell growth, the main indicator of cancer. A HPV screening is used to indicate if a person is at a higher risk of developing cancer.


Time Frame


Women should have a cervical cancer screening every six months.


Misconceptions


Many women assume they cannot get cervical cancer at a young age. Jade Goody, a Big Brother UK contestant, died from cervical cancer at the age of 27.

Tags: cervical cancer, abnormal cell, abnormal cell growth, cancer screening, cell growth, Screening cervical