CERVICAL CANCER
Defining cervical cancer, identifying risk factors, and discussing barriers to CC treatment and prevention.
What is Cervical Cancer?
THE SILENT KILLER
Cervical cancer (CC) is a disease that occurs in the cells of one’s cervix.
- The cervix is the lower, constricted part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
- Symptoms of CC can vary from patient to patient, but generally include:
- Menstrual bleeding that is unusually heavy and lasts longer than typical cycles have
- Bleeding inbetween cycles
- Bleeding after intercourse
- Unexplained pelvic and back pain that persists consistently over time
- Post-menopausal bleeding
- None
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Risk factors for CC include:
- Having had HPV
- Having HIV
- Having used birth control for 5 or more years
- Having given birth to 3+ children
- Having had multiple sexual partners
- Smoking
- Persons who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than those who do not smoke.
Unavoidable risk factors:
- Age
- Race
- Low socioeconomic status
- Being a transgender or non-binary person
Barriers to Cervical Healthcare
Barriers to Screening
Barrier to CC screening is a risk factor for several groups. These include:
- Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and BIPOCs
- Those who are transgender, GNC and/or non-binary
- Those of intersectional identities
- Those who have experienced sexual assault
The Silent Killer
Why is CC called the Silent Killer
- Cervical cancer is largely preventable.
- Barriers to preventative screening remain.
- The nickname “silent killer” speaks to that CC sometimes presents no symptoms in its early stages. This is why it's so important for anyone with a cervix to get regular screenings as they may not experience symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed