Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Women should have yearly check-ups, including a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. One of the greatest risk factors is infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). A weakened immune system is also a risk factor for cervical cancer.

The primary risk factors associated with cervical cancer are age, a woman's sexual habits, and infection with a high-risk strain of human papillomavirus (HPV). Lifestyle, race, and other factors probably affect a woman's chances of developing cervical cancer. See similar questions...

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal (malignant) cells grow out of proportion and results in a lump or tumor. They may invade the local tissues and spread (metastasize). There is an alteration (mutation) in the genes that control normal cell growth and death (either hereditary or due to environmental/acquired factors). Thus abnormal/cancer cells get out of control of the cell regulatory mechanisms and keep on dividing and do not die, resulting in a tumor. See similar questions...

No, even though a gene mutation may be present, you are not at 100% risk for developing cancer. An individual with a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 alteration is more likely to develop cancer than an individual without an alteration. However, not every individual who has a BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 alteration will develop cancer, because genes are not the only factor affecting cancer risk. See similar questions...

A woman can be infected with HPV at a young age but not develop cervical cancer for many years because it generally takes awhile for the disease to progress. The highest burden of diagnosis of cervical cancer is among women aged 35 to 44. Cervical cancer is extremely rare in women under the age of 20. See similar questions...

Most cervical cancers can be prevented. Pap tests are an effective way to detect problems. Once these problems are detected, treatment can stop these complications before they develop into invasive cervical cancer. See similar questions...

In general, it takes 10-14 days to mount a response to a vaccine if it is the body's first exposure. Then it takes approximately seven days after the second exposure. See similar questions...

In 2005, the American Cancer Society estimates that 211,240 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. About 40,410 women will die from the disease this year. See similar questions...

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the HPV virus (99.7%). So a vaccine stopping HPV would appear to stop cervical cancer. Among the vaccines under development, two of the companies are in Phase III clinical trials (Glaxo & Merck) and appear close to providing data to the FDA. These vaccines focus in on HPV types 16 and 18 which account for 70% of the cervical cancers. See similar questions...

In some cases, yes. Pap tests done according to American Cancer Society guidelines and with proper follow up will prevent most but not all cases of cervical cancer. Pap tests can find cervix cell changes early before they become cervical cancer. These cervix cell changes can then be treated to prevent them from becoming cancer. The Pap test will find most but not all cervical cancers at an early, curable stage. See similar questions...

You should not receive a bill for these services, but if you do, call our office at 304.558.5388 or 1.800.642.8522 and ask to speak with someone within our Program. See similar questions...

The treatment must be continued until the cancer appears to have been eliminated. The patient's PSA scores will be checked to see what effect the treatment has had. However cancer can recur and the patient needs to be very careful and follow regular screenings. See similar questions...

Skin cancer react the quickest, within one week a notable difference is seen and in many cases complete tumor regression is achieved in less then three weeks. If you would like to speak to others that are completely better, please call our office for those that had your specific type of cancer. You must already be in the program for these numbers. See similar questions...

You will have an instant radiant tan from the caramel guide colour. We recommend waiting for at least 6-8 hours after spray tanning before showering or taking a bath to reveal your developed tan. See similar questions...