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i am under a ridiculous amount of stress
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Hi Kathy - Having cancer is never easy, but finding information about it and support resources can help make the journey better and support your recovery. Thanks for reaching out for information, and welcome to EmpowHER.
In terms of your question, cervical cancer, like most cancers, occurs when cells in the body (in this case, epithelial cervix cells lining the cervical canal) divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or tumor. Cancer is not a contagious disease that can be spread from one person to another so, no, your cancer was not "transmitted" by your husband.
Research suggests that some sexually transmitted viruses, such as human papilloma virus, can cause the nuclei in cervical cells to begin the changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Scientists believe several risk factors act together. These include:
* Infection of the cervix with the human papillomavirus (HPV)—the primary risk factor for cervical cancer
* History of cervical dysplasia (a precancerous condition)
* Being a woman whose mother took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy
* HIV/AIDS
* Age: over 25 years old
* Multiple sexual partners
* Sexual activity prior to age 18
* First pregnancy prior to age 20
* History of not having Pap tests
* Smoking
Here are some resources that can provide additional information:
National Cervical Cancer Coalition
http://www.nccc-online.org/
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp163.cfm
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cervical-cancer/DS00167
American Cancer Society
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_1X_What_is_cervical_cancer_8.asp
Please let us know if this information is helpful, and if you have additional questions. We wish you the best possible outcome.
April 6, 2010 - 6:06pmTake care, Pat
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