Hannah Fry's Cervical Cancer Diagnosis: A Reminder of the Importance of Early Detection
Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Disease
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with an estimated 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths each year.
However, cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer. The vast majority of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. HPV can be prevented by vaccination, and regular Pap tests can help to detect and treat pre-cancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer.
Hannah Fry's Story
Hannah Fry is a British mathematician and author who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2020 at the age of 37. Fry's diagnosis came as a shock, as she had no symptoms and had been having regular Pap tests. However, her Pap test results had shown some abnormal cells, which led to a biopsy that confirmed the diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Fry underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy. She is now in remission, but she still has to undergo regular checkups to monitor for any recurrence of cancer.
The Importance of Early Detection
Fry's story is a reminder of the importance of early detection of cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests can help to detect and treat pre-cancerous changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer. This can lead to a cure for cervical cancer and prevent the need for more invasive treatment.
If you are a woman between the ages of 21 and 65, you should have a Pap test every three years. If you are over the age of 65, you may still need to have Pap tests if you have a history of cervical cancer or other risk factors.
Talk to your doctor about your risk of cervical cancer and the best screening schedule for you.
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