Hey ladies, consider this: A not-so-well known district in a large Indian state has the highest prevalence of cervical cancer in Asia! Spooked, aren’t you? Many of us, including the affected women, wrongly believe sexual health problems as a fallout of ‘modern’ lifestyle. In reality, however, it’s lack of awareness about HPV test and societal stigma (that villian again) that leads to a spike in women’s sexual health problems – & probably unites us all!
But let’s address the elephant in the room first- cervical cancer! It usually starts slowly and is the final outcome of long-term sexual risk factors, with HPV infection being one of them. But guess what? It’s possible to stop it in its tracks with on-time vaccination and regular screening along with LifeCell HPV Test. Surprised again? Let’s tell you how all these can come together in preventing cervical cancer (CC).
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Minions Of The “Grim Reaper”
Like we said, cervical cancer doesn’t occur on its own or overnight, without some ‘internal’ hand. So, here’s a list of stooges who betray you while you’re having a good time:
- Behold, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection (how many times have we told you this!)
- Multiple love interests (partners) of the sexual kind
- Starting your sex-ploration at a young age
- Ignoring your lady-bits’ appeal for hygiene
- Not ‘butt’ing lifestyle choices like smoking
- Unfollowing school lessons on balanced diet (malnutrition)
- Popping the pills (contraceptives) instead of simply using a condom.
Besides these, multiple pregnancies and a weak immune system can also put you at risk of developing cervical cancer. Now, if this list made you go ‘OMG’, then you’re probably at the mercy of the inglorious STD: HPV infection, the closest ally of CC!
So, let’s uncover what causes HPV & symptoms of cervical cancer.
Human Papillomavirus: The Speed Bus To Cervical Cancer!
It may not surprise you (if you’ve been reading this far), but nearly ALL types of cervical cancers are caused due to certain high-risk strains of HPV.
So, if you’ve been up for some experimenting during your romps, here’s what directly causes the infection:
- Any sort of skin-to-skin with genital areas
- Vaginal, oral, or anal sex
- Sharing sexual equipments/toys
Okay, don’t ‘face-palm’ yourself right now. It’s never too late to make amends. But let’s understand the extent of the folly!
Warning Signs Of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer symptoms are next to nil during the pre-cancer and early cancer stages in women. Its only at an advanced stage that a few signs may be noticeable, such as:
- Irregular menses or bleeding between periods
- Unusual vaginal bleeding after intercourse, pelvic exam or after menopause
- Painful sex
- Consistent pain in the legs, back, or pelvis
- Loss of appetite or weight; fatigue
- Swelling in either one of the leg
As scary as this may sound, remember that there’s always hope (don’t we just love this angel?)- cervical cancer screening & vaccinations, of course! Let’s now introduce you to these much-ignored back-benchers who can actually be life savers!
Cervical Cancer Prevention: Vaccinations & Screening
Since cervical cancer shows symptoms at an advanced stage (like movie police), it gets difficult to treat it at the right time. Thus, prevention is definitely better than cure, in this case.
There are two parts to prevention of cervical cancer – Vaccination & Screening.
The Needle Of Hope
Let us tell you right away that HPV vaccination is not a treatment, but rather a preventive measure that safeguards young girls before they become sexually active.
As per WHO (World Health Organization), HPV vaccines should be started for girls as young as 9 and going up to 20 years of age, with 1 or 2 doses. For women above 21 years, it’s 1-2 doses, scheduled 6 months apart.
Screening Is Believing
Cervical cancer screening is an effective way to check the risk of cervical cancer. This screening process includes a PAP smear and an HPV Test for women. So, if you’re in the age group of 25 to 64, you need to get yourself tested for HPV, regularly.
But wait! Are the images of long clinic queues or suspicious looks by the visitors giving you heebie-jeebies already? Then here’s your knight in a shining kit – LifeCell HPV Test for Women!
This HPV Test is an at-home self-collection test kit for women. It identifies 24 high-risk HPV strains (including cancer-causing ones) and gives results in just 2 days! Not just that, you can also schedule a call with our expert to understand your reports – for FREE! All you need to do is order it online, collect the sample from the comfort of your home, send it to our labs and get the results online – all done discreetly!
Let’s Breathe Easy & Summarize!
Cervical cancer is the party pooper of the female cervix that slowly creeps up when you least expect it. But the best way to combat this creepy monster? Timely vaccinations and regular cervical cancer screening that includes an HPV Test.
LifeCell HPV Test for Women (make note) is a convenient, at-home self-collection kit that checks 24 high-risk HPV strains, including cervical-cancer-causing variants. With results that arrive in 2 days and an online purchase system that’s as easy as ordering groceries online, what’s your excuse for not getting tested? So, listen to your inner cervix…err….we mean inner self and order it now by clicking here.
Wish to speak to our expert discreetly? Call us on 1800 266 5533