Introduction

Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women in the age group 15 to 44 years.  It is also the most preventable form of cancer. In this blog post, we will discuss, its symptoms, and the best ways to protect Yourself from this cancer. We will also provide you with some tips on how to prevent this, including things you can do to reduce your risk of getting the disease. Finally, we will outline the best treatments for cervical and the available treatments. Read on to learn everything you need to know about cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. The cervix is a thin, mucous-covered tube that opens into the vagina. The uterus is a small, muscular organ that holds the baby in a pregnant woman. It is the most common cancer in women aged 25 to 44 years. Among other types of cancer in women,  It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can cause other types of cancers, including cancers of the head and neck, penis, and rectum.

The causes of cervical cancer:

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women. The majority (83%) of cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), although other factors also play a cumulative role. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, and half of HPV infections are with a high-risk (cancer-causing) type of HPV. HPV16 and HPV18 are the types that cause most cases of cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and many of them are spread through sexual contact. HPV can also be spread through contact with the fluids from an HPV-infected person, such as during anal or oral sex.

The host immune system controls most of the HPV infections, which tend to go away without symptoms. However, about 30% of people who are infected will develop cervical cancer, as the high-risk HPV infection lasts for many years and causes changes in the cervical cells. The lifetime risk of developing cervical cancer is about 1 in 6 for women and about 1 in 11 for men.

Some risk factors that act cumulatively include having a weak immune system, smoking, a family history of cervical cancer, being sexually active before the age of 18 years and/or with multiple sexual partners, using oral contraceptive pills, and multiparity (giving birth to many children).

HPV vaccination:

Cervical cancer is preventable and highly curable when diagnosed early. A three-pronged approach can prevent cervical cancers including HPV vaccination, routine screening, and appropriate follow-up treatment when necessary. HPV vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent cervical cancer. Given the fact that HPV is transmitted sexually, the vaccine offers the most protection when given before a person becomes sexually active. Sexually active people may have been exposed to the HPV types targeted by the vaccine, and hence derive less benefit from the vaccine. Two doses of the vaccine are given to both boys and girls <15 years of age. Catch-up vaccination is done for women up to 45 years of age. It is of no use among women >45 years of age. Males up to the age of 21 years can be vaccinated.

Given the renewed commitment to prevention at Sammprada, You can access vaccination services for HPV.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

The most common symptom is a vaginal or cervical discharge that is unusual in color, smell, or consistency.

Other symptoms may include:

• vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause,
• pain during  urination, sometimes with blood in the urine
• Heavy menstrual periods which last longer than normal,
• pain or bleeding during bowel movements
• persistent vaginal odor
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• The general feeling of illness
• weight loss
• dull backache

It is ideal for women with such symptoms to consult with a Gynaec-oncologist. Sammprada offers the best diagnostic services and treatment regimens for the management of cervical cancer.

How to screen for cervical cancer

Routine screening can be done with HPV tests and Pap tests. HPV test checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types. Pap tests can find abnormal cell changes and pre-cancers which can be treated before they turn into cancer. Screening with Pap test can be initiated at 21 years and is done at a frequency of once in 3 years. HPV testing is done when Pap is abnormal. This can be done up to the age of 65 years, and for women >65 years screening test is done only for pre-cancerous lesions for the next 20 years. LBC test which has a better yield than the Pap test is also done in our center.

How to detect cervical cancer

If cervical cancer is suspected following screening, a thorough examination of the cervix is done using a special magnifying instrument (Colposcope) to detect abnormal cells. A biopsy of cervical cells is done and the sample is tested in a laboratory. Following the diagnosis of cervical cancer, further imaging tests such as PET scans are done to determine the extent (stage) of cancer.

How to treat cervical cancer

The method of treatment depends on the type of cancer and its spread. The treating Gynaec-oncologist will decide on either/or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Early-stage cancer is usually treated with surgery. Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams such as X-rays or protons, to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a form of drug treatment that uses chemicals to kill cancer cells. The focus of ‘Targeted therapy’ is on specific weaknesses present within the cancer cells. Immunotherapy helps the host’s immune system to fight cancer.

Tips for preventing cervical cancer

Among the many measures  to  prevent cervical cancer, some of the important ones  include:

• Regular screening
• Avoid smoking
• HPV vaccination
• Limiting  exposure to environmental carcinogens
• Eating a balanced diet
• Regular exercise

Conclusion:

Cervical cancer is a life-threatening disease,  if not diagnosed and treated in time.  For prevention or if you have some of the mentioned symptoms of cervical cancer, make sure to access care from the Gynaec-oncologist at Sammprada, Bangalore.