Exploring Cervical Cancer - Research Paper Example

? Cervical cancer With the advance of the world, globalization continues to spread. The advance in technology notwithstanding, societal diseases continue to increase in variety and magnitude. In the State of New Jersey, cancer has become an emerging concern. My paper would narrow down to explore cervical cancer. Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix which is confined to the female reproductive parts (Spencer, 2007). The causes of cancer are not definite. Tremendous research has and is still underway. The causes are yet to be fully discovered. Scientists have linked cancer to the various lifestyles people live, causative agents in chemical products that industries manufacture and consume heredity factors and reproductive factors. Every human has the possibility of suffering from cancer; the vulnerability to catch cancer depends on the nature of cells of the human body. Some cells are cancerous in nature in the sense that human exposure to any risk factor or causative agent leads to development of cancer. Cancer of the cervix is curable if detected early enough (Hirschmann, 2010). The state of New Jersey has recorded relatively high numbers of cervical cancer cases compared to other states. This informs my decision to cover cervical cancer as a health concern. My expectation is that with the increase in technology and knowledge, talking about cancer is only going to be the first of the steps (Hirschmann, 2010). Soon, experts should be able to devise remedies to cure cancer of the cervix. Statistics obtained in 2007 indicate that the cancer incidence rate per 100000 women in New Jersey was 9.2. This is larger compared to the average United States cancer incidence rate per 100000 women, which was 7.9 in the same year. Cervical cancer can be classified in terms of the special groups of people it affects. Being confined to the females, statisticians have further reclassified the females into their age groups, their races and their general lifestyles. Cervical cancer is not confined to any particular stratified group. It is important to note, however, that racially, Hispanics were more susceptible to cancer of cervix compared to their Asian and European counterparts in New Jersey. Interestingly, the African woman is twice as susceptible to cancer compared to women of other races. The incidence rates tend to rise with the increase in age. The climax for the state of New Jersey women is at the age of forty five. As far as age groups are concerned, the children under the age of eighteen tend not to suffer from cervical cancer. Over the years, the major targets for cervical cancer have been the child bearing women who range between the ages of twenty four to forty five. Evidently, there exists a connection between sexual reproduction and the scourge of cervical cancer (Spencer, 2007). Scientists however continue to research over the relationship between reproduction and cervical cancer. Analyzing cervical cancer victims in New Jersey according to the counties, the counties of Essex and Hudson seem most affected reflecting high incidence rates of cervical cancer over the years from 1986 to date while the counties of Cape May, Sussex and Warren seem to be least affected going by the data given by the statistics posted by the Health Department in New Jersey. The trend tends to lead to the fact that lifestyles contribute to the possibility of contracting cancer. Indeed it remains imperative for the sexual behavior, eating patterns and physical sporting activities across the counties to be studied. Consequently the relationship of the same to cervical cancer should be determined. There exists strong belief that cervical cancer is attributable to the sexual reproduction and general lifestyle. Comparing the cervical cancer statistics nationally, the state of New Jersey is among the most affected states. For instance, according to data released by the Cancer Statistics Working Group, the interval for the incidence of cancer in 2008 per 100000 in New Jersey was between 7.7 to 8.7. This compared to the national average for that year which stood at an interval of between 6.4 to 7.6. Further, the rate of mortality from cervical cancer in New Jersey stood at an interval of 2.9 to 3.7 for the year 2008. This is a key indicator to the fact that the state of New Jersey is feeling the heat of the scourge that is cancer. Incidentally, states such as Delaware and Vermont posted data that was suppressed because they were too few deaths to hit the threshold required. The state of New Jersey has recognized the reality of the scourge of cancer. This can be attested to by the preventive and curative measures taken by the state health department (Rajaram, 2012). The general trend however, is that the people and institutions are appreciating the emergence of cancer as a disease. People are quite particular with the foods they take, the exercise they undertake and their reproductive health (Spencer, 2007). The cancerous diseases are contributed by a number of factors. Mainly this disease is caused by the exposure to radiation rays which result to an uncontrolled growth of the cell within the body of a person. However, cervical cancer is different in that it has other causes apart from the radiation factors. The sexual behavior of a person can determine a person’s susceptibility to the virus which causes cervical cancer. Studies have shown that early age sexual intercourse increases the risk of getting the human papilloma viruses (H.P.V.) which results into a disease known as genital warts. The most recent studies also have proved that genital warts can cause cancer of the cervix. Having many sexual partners increases the risk of cervical cancer. Other factors related to sexual behavior include long-term use of contraceptives especially among the youth and having multiple births. Smoking also has an effect on the spread of cancer especially among the women who smoke heavily yet they already have the human papilloma virus. Vitamin deficiencies and hormonal factors can as well result to this disease (Hirschmann, 2010). Information is power and therefore, the state has a noble duty of informing the citizens in detail about cervical cancer, its causes and treatment. Information should be target-based, that is, it should be directed towards the different groups of people. For instance, abstinence is the virtue that needs be emphasized to the youth. This means that youths within the New Jersey state should appreciate the role of abstinence and chastity. This would not only reduce their chances of getting the virus that causes the cancer but also prevent them from getting other sexually transmitted diseases and H.I.V./Aids. Consequently, cancer cases would be on the decline (Hirschmann, 2010). Cervical exam is quite costly. It includes lab tests, tissue sample and cervical exam where the doctor uses a colposcope to look at the cervix. It is imperative that the New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection (N.J.C.E.E.D.). Program should be rejuvenated through funding so that it can assist in free screening of persons. The funding should come from both the Federal and State funds. The New Jersey state has a duty to encourage the public to undertake the screening test as it is free and has no medical complications. Early detection is important in that it enables control and even cure of cancer before it becomes malignant or chronic. Research has shown that when cancer is detected early enough, putting the person through chemotherapy provides treatment of the cancerous disease (Spencer, 2007). Cervical cancer is unique in that it affects the women. Campaign to fight cancer should be an all inclusive process. Both women and men should play a role. Smoking especially among women should be discouraged through increased taxation on cigarettes and campaigns against smoking be strengthened. It is important that public awareness is created with regard to family planning. The state should come up with polices which advocate for benefits of family planning. These polices can be in the form of appraisal and other financial benefits to the families who abide by the set policies. The state should further increase the number of healthcare facilities with qualified personnel to reduce the doctor to patient ratio. The contraceptives such birth control pills, should not be given through over-the-counter mode but should be issued with the full certification of a medical practitioner. Cancer victims should be counseled and appreciated in the community since stigmatization of victims induces mental depression to the victims (Rajaram, 2012). References Hirschmann, K. (2010). Cervical Cancer. New York: Greenhaven Press. Rajaram, S. (2012). Cervical Cancer: Contemporary Management. New York: JP Medical Ltd. Spencer, J. V. (2007). Cervical Cancer. New York: Infobase Publishing. Read More