According to statistics, the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer is increasing, and the disease is affecting younger individuals. Since cervical cancer often has no clear symptoms in its early stages, many people only discover it when it has progressed to an advanced stage, leading to a high mortality rate.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Studies show that approximately 95% of cervical cancer patients are infected with the HPV virus.

Persistent HPV infection and cervical epithelial damage can lead to cancer. Women with poor personal hygiene or a high risk of HPV exposure are more likely to develop the disease.

---

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor and the second most common gynecological cancer worldwide.

This disease occurs when cervical epithelial cells mutate into cancerous cells. There are two primary types of cervical cancer:

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)
• Adenocarcinoma

Globally, approximately 600,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. It is a frightening disease due to its high fatality rate.

High-Risk Age Groups

Women face the highest risk at:

• Ages 30 – 40
• Ages 60 – 65

Because cervical cancer progresses rapidly, early detection is crucial.

---

4 Major Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

1. Early or Multiple Childbirths

Women who give birth at a young age or have multiple pregnancies are more likely to suffer from genital damage, increasing their cervical cancer risk. Frequent childbirth and multiple abortions can also weaken the cervix over time.

2. High-Risk HPV Infection

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the leading cause of cervical cancer.

• Low-risk HPV strains do not cause cancer.
• HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the primary culprits behind cervical cancer.

HPV spreads easily through:

• Unprotected sexual activity
• Multiple sexual partners
• Early sexual activity

3. Early Sexual Activity

Engaging in sexual intercourse before age 18, when the reproductive system is still developing, significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle weakens the body and slows the elimination of toxins.

Women who sit for prolonged hours, such as office workers or those who spend long periods gaming, have a higher risk of cervical cancer.

---

Can Your Legs Warn You About Cervical Cancer?

Many people are unaware that certain leg symptoms can serve as early warning signs of cervical cancer. If you experience the following four conditions, you should seek medical attention immediately.

1. Warts on the Legs

Certain HPV strains affect the skin and mucous membranes, causing the appearance of irregular red warts on the legs.

• These stubborn warts tend to spread rapidly.
• They often appear on the groin or inner thighs and could be a sign of genital warts caused by high-risk HPV strains.
• If you notice them, get tested immediately.

2. Lumps on the Legs

• Small lumps on the legs could indicate an infection or swollen lymph nodes.
• Hard, immovable lumps could be a warning sign of cancer.
• The groin and knee regions contain multiple lymph nodes, and swelling in these areas may indicate lymphatic cancer or metastasis from cervical cancer.

3. Unusual Leg Swelling

• The cervix is located near the thigh area.
• Prolonged HPV infection and cervical damage can disrupt blood circulation.
• If one or both legs swell abnormally, it may be due to venous compression caused by a tumor.

4. Darkened Groin Area

• If the groin area darkens without any friction or natural pigmentation changes, it could signal poor blood circulation.
• Swollen lymph nodes accompanied by skin darkening may indicate blood stagnation or toxin buildup from cervical cancer.

---

4 Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

1. Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

• Cigarette smoke and alcohol contain harmful toxins that weaken the immune system.
• Women who smoke have a higher risk of cervical cancer than non-smokers.

2. Get the HPV Vaccine

• The two main HPV vaccines available are Cervarix and Gardasil.
• The best time to get vaccinated is before becoming sexually active.
• Women at high risk (early sexual activity, multiple partners, history of miscarriage) should consider HPV vaccination.

3. Regular Gynecological Checkups

• Routine gynecological exams can detect infections and precancerous lesions early.
• Women who are sexually active should undergo regular Pap smear tests.
• If an infection is detected, seek immediate treatment, as women with chronic cervical inflammation have a 7 times higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

4. Maintain Proper Hygiene During Sexual Activity

• Wash the genital area before and after intercourse to reduce HPV transmission risk.
• Avoid multiple sexual partners to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

---

Can Cervical Cancer Be Cured?

Early detection significantly improves treatment success rates.

• If diagnosed in the early stages, surgery or radiation therapy can offer a high survival rate.
• In advanced stages, treatment effectiveness declines sharply.

Key Points to Remember:

• Radiation therapy is the most common and effective treatment.
• Cervical cancer responds well to radiation, even in late stages, helping extend survival time.

👉 In summary: Early detection and timely treatment are crucial in fighting cervical cancer. If you notice any unusual symptoms, consult a doctor immediately to protect your health!