Cervical cancer is a common kind of cancer experienced by women worldwide. The cancer starts in the cervix which is the narrow opening into the uterus from the vagina. The cervix has two different parts and is covered with two different types of cells. The part of the cervix next to the vagina is called the exocervix covered with squamous cells. The part of the cervix closest to the body of the uterus is called endocervix that is covered with glandular cells.
This type of cancer is usually caused by HPV or Human Papillomavirus, commonly known as warts. It is a virus that can cause cervix cell changes and develop into cancer. Though cervical cancer could be life-threatening, but nowadays, it is already a highly preventable disease. Despite the fact that early warnings often don’t show during its early stage, it is important that women must be aware of the signs and symptoms. Cervical cancer is easy to prevent if women regularly have screening test and vaccination as well.
Today women benefits from programs where cancer is identified and treated. Various institutions and organizations worldwide joint hands in developing several ways to provide and promote solutions to prevent and cure cervical cancer. Liger Medical is just one of a medical institution that provides solutions for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. Here is a list of the different ways to screen cervical cancer.
1. HPV/ Pap Test
Cervical cancer screening includes two types of screening test. This is the Pap test and HPV testing. The Pap test is a very quick and painless test to detect abnormal cells that may develop into cancer. The HPV test is to check and detect the virus which is responsible for the cervical cancer case. Testing for cervical cancer using HPV testing in addition to the Pap Test is done to detect cancer cases that would not be found using HPV testing alone. The Pap test for decades was the only option for cervical cancer screening. But lately, due to an extensive study, HPV test is found to be more effective at detecting precancerous lesions as claimed by most specialists. According to research, HPV is gives more accurate results than Pap testing for cervical cancer.
2. Medicare
Medicare is a medical insurance funded by the government to provide medical services. Usually your health provider may recommend you to get services that Medicare covers. Fortunately, Medicare has added cervical cancer screening to its list of covered preventive services. Medicare covers Pap test and HPV test that can help find cervical cancer at an early stage. It also helps improve recovery and survival rates. The Pap test is covered every 24 months. But if it is high risk, it is covered every 12 months. HPV test is covered once every 5 years if you are 30-65 years old without cervical cancer symptoms.
3. Community Health Clinics
Health centers are funded and oriented to provide medical services. They have a program that offer free screening throughout the community to women who meet certain requirements. Health centers are also provided with the latest equipment such as the electrosurgical generators used to screen and treat cervical cancer. Part of their service is providing vital information about the disease. They also urge women to get routine test or screening. And as part of their advocacy, the community health clinics encourage women to have regular screening and follow-ups for early detection. Screening is extremely important for prevention and treatment.
4. CDC- Funded Cervical Cancer Screening Providers
CDC is an organization that provides screening services for cervical cancer particularly in rural and remote areas. They are funded to screen more women particularly for cervical cancer. This provider offers a range of services .The services are offered free of charge. CDC also provides diagnostic follow-up test. Transportation is also provided to patients to obtain further treatment and full recovery. Their program is to educate, motivate and empower women to participate in the program to provide an effective cervical cancer screening and treatment services.
5. Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is a non-profit organization that provides reproductive health care globally. They promote positive sexual health through community partnerships by giving information and services. Their services is not limited. It is available to anyone regardless of age, gender and race. Education, counselling and referral services are also provided. Planned Parenthood is one of the most trusted health provider that empowered millions of people worldwide. It does not only protect women’s health, but the women’s rights as well.
We may be left with very few resources to combat cervical cancer. But we are fortunate to have various organizations that provides solutions to one of the worst nightmare of a woman, the cervical cancer. Awareness of the disease is important. Knowing the signs and symptoms, as well as the prevention and treatment could save lives.
