If it could be invented and treated earlier, would infantile eczema be considered fetal toxicity? Recent studies have discovered that human papillomavirus (HPV) transmitted sexually is a major culprit in the development of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer, which often occurs in women around the age of 50, has now quietly approached younger women. Experts indicate that before the age of 20, the incidence of cervical cancer is very low, with most patients falling between the ages of 40 to 60. However, in recent years, although the overall incidence of cervical cancer has shown a decreasing trend, the age distribution has gradually shifted towards younger women, showing a global trend of younger onset, especially in the age group of 20-29 years, where there has been a significant increase.
Cervical cancer is mainly related to early marriage, early childbirth, multiple births, cervical injuries, cervical erosion, and penile smegma stimulation.
The five main culprits causing cervical cancer in women:
1. Sexual behavior: The occurrence of cervical cancer is directly associated with sexual behavior. The earlier the age of first sexual intercourse and the more sexual partners, especially if the partner is a carrier of sexually transmitted diseases, the higher the incidence of cervical cancer. Women who had their first sexual intercourse at the age of 16 have twice the risk compared to those over 20. Therefore, cervical cancer is also referred to as "sexually transmitted cancer." Viral infections can occur through sexual intercourse or by touching infected objects. A 16-year-old girl contracting cervical cancer might be due to contact with virus-contaminated objects in public places.
3. Menstruation and childbirth: Increasing evidence suggests that the occurrence of cervical cancer is related to menstruation and multiple pregnancies. During menstruation, the resistance of the female reproductive system significantly decreases, making it more susceptible to infectious diseases. If menstrual hygiene is not maintained, sexual activity is avoided, mental stress and illness are managed, the chances of infection will decrease. During pregnancy and the postpartum period, women's disease resistance is relatively weaker. Damage to the birth canal caused by multiple births can become a factor leading to cervical diseases.
4. Male sexual behavior: Studies have found that the occurrence of cervical cancer in women is related to their male partners' sexual behavior, sexually transmitted diseases, and external genital cancers. The more extramarital sexual partners a man has, the higher the probability he carries pathogenic factors, thus increasing the chance of infecting his partner. Male HPV infection, penile cancer, etc., all increase the risk of cervical cancer for their wives. Wives of men with penile cancer are 3-6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to other women. If a husband's previous wife had cervical cancer, the new wife's risk of developing cervical cancer after remarriage is twice that of normal control groups. Long foreskin and smegma in males serve as breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, easily transmitting infections during sexual activity. Early circumcision and condom use can help prevent cervical cancer.
5. Smoking, oral contraceptives, and other factors: Smoking, especially heavy smoking, may be one of the main causes of inducing cervical cancer. According to epidemiological surveys, the risk of developing this disease in smoking women is twice that of non-smoking women.
Early detection of cervical cancer can be achieved by paying attention to menstruation and vaginal discharge. In the early stages of cervical cancer, patients may not experience any symptoms. As the disease progresses, the following clinical manifestations may appear:
1. The first symptom often experienced is "contact bleeding," such as bleeding during sexual intercourse, during gynecological examinations, or irregular bleeding after menopause.
2. Further progression leads to an increase in vaginal discharge. The discharge becomes thick and resembles rice water, with a strong foul odor due to the infection and necrosis of cancerous tissues.
3. When the tumor further develops and cancerous tissue invades the pelvic wall and nerves, severe lower back, leg pain, and lower abdominal pain may occur. If the mass compresses lymph nodes and blood vessels, severe swelling of the lower limbs may occur; if the mass invades the rectum and bladder, difficulties in defecation and urination, or blood in urine and stool, may occur.
Experts emphasize that cervical cancer is not an incurable disease; the key is early detection. If detected and treated early, the prognosis for patients is quite ideal, with precancerous lesions generally being completely curable. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage cervical cancer is over 80%. Therefore, Dr. Wu recommends that married women undergo annual cervical examinations and Pap smear cytology tests without any discomfort.
Experts remind all married women to pay attention to the early warning signs of cervical cancer, such as vaginal bleeding during sexual intercourse, even if it is minimal, do not overlook it because this signal does not appear after every sexual encounter. Perhaps it reappears six months later, but by then the tumor may have progressed to an advanced stage, losing the opportunity for treatment. Additionally, chronic cervical inflammation and precancerous lesions should be treated to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Personal hygiene should also be maintained, such as menstrual hygiene, and regular health check-ups are recommended for those who have the means.
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