29/01/2025
👩🏽 Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women, but it is preventable and curable when discovered early.
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Almost all sexually active people will be infected at some point in their lives, usually without symptoms.
⚠️ In most cases, the immune system clears HPV from the body. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cells to develop. Typically, it takes 15–20 years for abnormal cells to become cancer.
Risk factors for cancer progression include:
➡️ The type of HPV a person has
➡️ Immune status
➡️ The presence of other sexually transmitted infections
➡️ Number of births
➡️ Young age at first pregnancy
➡️ Hormonal contraceptive use
➡️ Smoking
The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and can be cured if diagnosed early.
Here are three steps to protect yourself from cervical cancer:
✅ Being vaccinated at age 9–14 years
✅ Screening from the age of 30
✅ Prompt quality treatment can cure cervical cancer
Learn more about cervical cancer and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones ➡️ https://bit.ly/4jD3Yvk
Copied from the World Health Organisation
WHO fact sheet on cervical cancer, including key facts, causes, prevention and WHO response.
