Caring for uterine health is critical to the overall well-being of women at all stages of life. In Peru, He cervical cancer It remains one of the most common cancers in women and a leading cause of death.according to warnings from the Ministry of Health (Minsa) and Social Health Security (EsSalud). These institutions agree that many cases are only recognized in advanced stages, when symptoms are already apparent and treatment is more complex. Therefore, prevention, regular gynecological examinations and clear education are the key to reducing the impact of this disease. Knowing the main symptoms of cervical cancer makes it possible Recognize warning signs and seek medical attention promptly.
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: One of the most common symptoms is bleeding that occurs outside the menstrual period, after sexual intercourse or after menopause. This sign should not be normalized and always requires a medical examination.
- Unusual vaginal discharge: The discharge may become heavier, have a bad smell, or be a different color, such as yellowish or with traces of blood. These persistent changes can be a warning sign.
- Pain during intercourse: Pain or discomfort during intercourse, known as dyspareunia, may be related to changes in the cervix and should be examined by a specialist.
- Pelvic or abdominal pain: Constant pain in the pelvic area that is not related to the menstrual cycle may be an indication that the disease is progressing and affecting neighboring tissues.
- Fatigue and weight loss with no apparent cause: In more advanced stages, cervical cancer can cause extreme fatigue, weakness, and involuntary weight loss, symptoms that indicate general impairment of the body.
It is important to note that this type of cancer may not have any obvious symptoms in its early stages. For this reason, many women only realize that they are suffering from it as the disease progresses.
The main risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).a very common sexually transmitted infection. Not all HPV infections lead to cancer, but certain types of this virus significantly increase the risk.
Other risk factors include: Early start of sexual life, multiple sexual partners, no regular gynecological check-ups and no vaccination against HPV. Smoking also increases the risk because it weakens the immune system and promotes the development of precancerous lesions.
Likewise, a weakened immune system, whether due to chronic illness or prolonged use of certain medications, can make it more difficult to clear the virus and increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer. Socioeconomic conditions and limited access to health services also influence late diagnosis.
Cervical cancer prevention is possible and effective when multiple strategies are combined. One of the most important is Vaccination against HPV, especially recommended for girls and adolescents before the start of sexual lifeHowever, depending on medical indication, it can also be used in young women.
Another important measure is regular Pap smears and, in some cases, HPV tests. These tests allow us to detect precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer. Minsa and EsSalud recommend that women start these checks according to the age and frequency indicated by the health professional.
Using a condom during sexual intercourse reduces the risk of HPV transmission, but does not completely eliminate it. In addition, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, avoiding tobacco and regularly visiting a gynecologist contribute to early detection.
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