Ratafarianism

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignant growth beginning in the lining of the cervix; normal cervical cells develop abnormal changes leading to cancer. Since only women have a cervix this is primarily a problem within the female population but there have been known cases in men as well. This infirmity has been linked to sexual activity but not restricted to, also contact with an infected person of certain vulnerable genital parts. The cancer may present itself with vaginal bleeding, soreness during sex or other sexual activity. There are two types of this cancer: squamous cell which consist of 80-90% of cervical cancers, the other is adenocarcinoma affecting 10-20% of the population.

In the Dona Ana County 7/100,000 women are affected making it the second leading cause of cancer following breast. The incidence rate in the United States is 8.7 women per 100,000, 13.8/100,000 Hispanic and 8.5/100,000 White women, as per say 11,150 will develop cervical cancer in their lifetime. Some women with pre-cancerous cells may never experience abnormal change that leads to cancer due to a strong immunity. The greater risk of this development is largely related to the human papillomavirus (HPV), 40 known strains of HPV exist but only 4 are linked to cervical cancer. Mortality rate is 3/100,000 in the US. Of these populations 86% Hispanic women reported having a Pap smear within the last three years compared to 82% White women (cancernmorg). Within the last 50 years cervical cancer rates have decreased by 80% due to the introduction of Pap smears (statehealthfacts.org).

According to the cdc here is some information to show mortality rates in women of all races.

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Though the mean age of cervical cancer is 48, the importance of maintaining normal Pap smears lies in the hands of a younger crowd. HPV is most common in girls ranging from 14-24 which are at greatest risk of undergoing abnormal cell development in the cervix. This risk is presumed to the experimentation of sexual activity therefore I propose a greater message of realization