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All about cervical cancer for patients aged above 65

 Due to insufficient screening or pre-existing illnesses with a high risk of developing cervical cancer, the majority of women 65 years and older may be at risk. According to the results, up to 20% of women reported having a health issue or a history of abnormal screening results, making this screening necessary after the age of 65. 


This focuses the need to inform patients and healthcare professionals about the need of ensuring appropriate cervical cancer screening between the ages of 55 and 65, as well as about high-risk circumstances that demand for screening beyond the age of 65.

The lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina, or the cervix, is where the cells of cervical cancer develop. The majority of cervical cancers are brought on by different strains of the sexually transmitted infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The body's immune system normally stops the virus from causing harm when exposed to HPV. However, in a small number of people, the virus survives for years and aids in the process by which some cervical cells develop into cancer cells.

By undergoing screening tests and an anti-HPV vaccine, you can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.

Symptoms

Early-stage cervical cancer typically has no symptoms or signs. 

More severe cervical cancer symptoms and signs include:

       Vaginal bleeding following menstruation, in between periods, or following menopause

       Vaginal discharge that is watery, red, and may be heavy and odorous

       Pain in the pelvis or during sexual activity 

Causes

When healthy cervix-based cells undergo DNA changes (mutations), the development of cervical cancer follows. The instructions that inform a cell what to do are stored in its DNA. 

Healthy cells develop and multiply at a specific rate before dying at a specific period. The cells are instructed by the mutations to grow and replicate irregularly while remaining alive. A mass of abnormal cells develops as they accumulate. Cancer cells can infect the tissues in the immediate area and can separate from a tumor to spread to other parts of the body. 

Although the exact origin of cervical cancer is unknown, HPV is known to have a part. The majority of HPV-positive people do not go on to develop cancer. This indicates that in addition to genetics, your environment and lifestyle choices also have a role in determining whether you'll get cervical cancer. 

Types of cervical cancer

Your diagnosis and course of therapy are determined by the type of cervical cancer you have. The most prevalent forms of cervical cancer are: 

   Squamous cell carcinoma: The thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer portion of the cervix that extends into the vagina are where this particular type of cervical cancer develops. Squamous cell carcinomas make up the majority of cervical malignancies.

    Adenocarcinoma: The column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal are where this kind of cervical cancer develops. 

Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

     Consult your doctor on the HPV vaccine. Getting vaccinated against HPV may lower your risk of developing cervical cancer and other malignancies linked to HPV. Consult your doctor to determine if you should receive the HPV vaccine.

      Take Pap exams every year. Pap tests can identify cervix precancerous abnormalities, allowing for their monitoring or treatment to stop cervical cancer. The majority of medical organizations advise starting routine Pap tests at age 21 and having them repeated every few years.

       Sex should be safe. By taking steps to avoid STDs, such as using a condom each time you have sex and reducing the number of partners you have, you can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.

       Don't smoke. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit. 

Ovarian Cancer:

A cell growth that develops in the ovaries is called ovarian cancer. The cells can penetrate and damage healthy biological tissue and reproduce swiftly. There are two ovaries in the female reproductive system, one on either side of the uterus. The estrogen and progesterone-producing ovaries, which are each roughly the size of an almond, also generate eggs. Surgery and chemotherapy are typically used in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Breast cancer:

Your breast tissue is the starting point of breast cancer. A mass of tissue is produced when breast cells mutate (alter) and grow out of control (tumor). Breast cancer can spread to the tissue surrounding your breast, just as other types of cancer. Additionally, it might spread to other areas of your body and develop new tumors. Metastasis is the medical term for this. 

Senior citizens can live at the comfort of home with services provided by Athulya Home Health care. Since Athulya takes care of all of their diagnosis and healthcare requirements elderly have the leverage to enjoy stress-free lives at their comfort and convenience

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