Cervical Cancer
Cervarix vaccine for cervical cancer is available at Al-Hayat Medical Center in Qatar. The Cervarix vaccine is the best and most effective vaccine needed by every girl and woman suffering from cervical cancer. Let us find out more about the Cervarix vaccine and cervical cancer in this next article.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. It starts when normal cells on the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) turn into abnormal precancerous cells (or lesions). Pap tests check for abnormal cells, so they can be monitored or removed through procedures such as biopsy (removing the cells by surgery or laser). If these cells are not detected and treated, they could lead to cervical cancer over time. Treatments for cervical cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, or in some cases, a hysterectomy (removing the womb).
Who is affected by cervical cancer?
Even though cervical cancer can affect young women in their 20's and 30's. It is the second most common cancer in women aged 20-44 after breast cancer. Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
How long does cervical cancer take to develop?
The World Health Organization has indicated that the development of cervical cancer takes between 15 and 20 years for women with normal immune systems, while it can take only 5 to 10 years for women with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
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Vaginal bleeding outside normal menstrual times.
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Continuous vaginal discharge.
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Pain in the cervical area during intercourse at some times.
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Underweight, weakness, and general fatigue.
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It can be accompanied by pain in the bone or lower abdomen.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer caused by HPV infection, which is a group of extremely popular viruses worldwide. Up to 4 out of 5 females will be infected with HPV during their lifetime. Infection is usually accidental and recedes automatically without treatment within a few months, and about 90% of it will go away within two years. In most cases, HPV does not cause any symptoms and 90 % of it goes away on its own. Yet this infection may not disappear, it may lead to cervical cancer over time.
How is HPV spread?
HPV spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The truth is, you can be infected with cancer-causing HPV after only one exposure to someone who has the virus. In addition, while condoms provide some protection, HPV can still spread through contact with areas that are not covered. In other words, you can get HPV through oral or hand-genital contact – not just intercourse.
What is a Pap smear?
A Pap smear helps in detecting early changes in the cervix that could become cancerous. During the test, a small sample of cells is lightly scraped from the surface of the cervix and sent for examination in a lab. It is very important to get regular Pap smear tests, as they can help in detecting abnormal cells so they can be treated. Your doctor can tell you how often you should have them.
What is the solution?
CERVARIX helps in preventing cervical cancer and pre-cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18.
What is the Cervarix vaccine? What does it do?
Cervarix is a vaccine for girls and young women aged 10-55 which helps in protection against cervical cancer by preventing infection with the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer (HPV types 16 and 18).
How is the Cervarix vaccine given?
It is given in three muscle doses: a first dose, then a second dose a month later, and a third dose returned after 6 months.
Do women who receive Cervarix cervical cancer vaccine still need Pap tests?
Yes, a routine examination of cervical cancer through a Pap smear remains necessary as a part of a woman's primary health care, as vaccination does not replace cervical smear tests.
What are the side effects of the Cervarix vaccine?
Common effects caused by the Cervarix vaccine are slight effects, which may include redness, swelling or ulceration at the injection site, and a feeling of dizziness may occur that can be overcome by staying in a sitting position for 15 minutes after the injection, and sometimes a headache, nausea, or feeling tired may occur.
Important Safety Information:
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No one who is allergic to the ingredients of CERVARIX should receive the vaccine.
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Tell your healthcare provider if you have an allergy to latex.
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CERVARIX is not for pregnant women.
Cervarix Web Site
For more information about Cervical Cancer and Cervarix, you may visit the Cervarix website.