What you should know about Cervical Cancer
Find out more about one of the most common woman’s cancers

Although cervical cancer fatality is relatively rare, early symptoms of cervical cancer are almost always nonexistent or very mild, making it more difficult to detect. As the cancer progresses, however, more severe symptoms may start to appear including vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause, watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor, and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
Cervical cancer, one of the most common cancers that affect a woman's reproductive organs, is caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is a sexually transmitted infection and together, the various strains are responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
A woman's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm when exposed to HPV. However, in a small group of women, the virus lies inactive for years before it eventually converts some cells on the surface of the cervix into cancer cells. Half of cervical cancer cases occur in women between ages 35 and 55.
The death rate from cervical cancer has decreased greatly over the last 40 years thanks largely to Pap test screening. However, every year more than 10,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer, and nearly 4,000 die of cervical cancer.
Risk factors that help predict your risk of cervical cancer include the following:
• Having many sexual partners. You have a greater chance of acquiring HPV the more sexual partners you have.
• Having had early sexual activity. As immature cells seem to be more susceptible to HPV, your chances of getting the virus are increased if you had sex before you were 18
• Having other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). If you have other STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV/AIDS, you have a greater chance of also having acquired HPV.
• Having a weak immune system. The majority of women who get HPV never develop cervical cancer. However, if your immune system is weakened, then you are more susceptible to cervical cancer.
• Cigarette smoking. Although the direct cause and effect between cigarette smoking and cervical cancer is not known, tobacco products do increase the risk of getting cervical cancer.
According to studies, although HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact with any infected part of the body, using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HPV. The best way to prevent cervical cancer (along with condoms) is to avoid smoking, delay intercourse, and have fewer sexual partners.
Cervical cancer vaccine
A new vaccine known as Gardasil has just hit the market offering protection from the HPV strains that cause the most cervical cancers. Routine vaccination should be given to girls age 11-12.  This vaccine will dramatically reduce chances of contracting the virus.