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Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix and is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus1 |
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The cervix is the bottom part of the uterus (the womb) that connects with the vagina |
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Cervical cancer is a serious condition |
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When a human papillomavirus infection does not clear up on its own, it can cause cells in the cervix to change and become abnormal |
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In a small number of people, these cells can go on to become pre-cancerous or cancerous if left untreated2 |
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| Female Reproductive System |
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| At what age do women get diagnosed with cervical cancer? |
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40% of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 15 and 44 years old3 |
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| How do I know if I have cervical cancer? |
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Usually cervical cancer can be picked up by a cervical smear test. If the results of your smear test are abnormal, you may need a repeat smear test. However, you may be asked to go to a hospital for a closer examination called a ‘colposcopy’. Following this, a diagnosis will be made |
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An abnormal smear result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer or pre-cancerous changes, it simply means that further investigations are required |
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Abnormal cells can be treated easily if identified early |
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| References: |
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Walboomers, J. M. M. et al. Human papillomavirus is a necessary cause of invasive cervical cancer worldwide. J Pathol 1999; 189 [1], 12-19. |
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Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV infection fact sheet.
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. (accessed July 2006) |
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Brown R. et al. Costs of detection and treatment of cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia and
genital warts in the UK. 2006 Vol 22; 4:663-670 |
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| In partnership with Sanofi Pasteur MSD UK 11260 12/07.
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