Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a serious health issue that affects thousands of women worldwide. It is important to raise awareness about this disease and understand its causes, symptoms, and prevention methods. Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus, begin to grow uncontrollably. The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. 

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Cervical cancer, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Cancer Specialist.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: The primary cause of cervical cancer, particularly strains HPV-16 and HPV-18.
• Early Sexual Activity: Beginning sexual activity at a young age increases the risk of HPV infection.
• Multiple Sexual Partners: Having multiple sexual partners raises the likelihood of HPV exposure.
• Weak Immune System: A weakened immune system, such as in those with HIV/AIDS, can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
• Smoking: Tobacco use is linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer, as it can weaken the immune system.
• Long-term Use of Birth Control Pills: Using oral contraceptives for several years may increase the risk.
• History of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): A history of other STIs can increase susceptibility to HPV and cervical cancer.
• Family History: A family history of cervical cancer may increase risk, indicating a genetic predisposition.
• Lack of Regular Pap Smears: Not having regular Pap smears can result in undetected abnormal cell changes that may lead to cancer.
• Unhealthy Diet and Obesity: Poor nutrition and excess weight may play a role in increasing the risk.
• Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES): Women exposed to this synthetic estrogen before birth may have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

• Weakened immune system
• Smoking
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Multiple pregnancies
• Family history
• Low socioeconomic status
• Chronic infections
• Age
• Lack of regular screening

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This can include bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause.
• Unusual Vaginal Discharge: A watery, bloody, or foul-smelling discharge.
• Pelvic Pain: Pain in the pelvic region, often during intercourse or between periods.
• Pain During Intercourse: Discomfort or pain during sexual activity.
• Frequent Urination: A need to urinate more often or pain while urinating.
• Lower Back Pain: Persistent pain or discomfort in the lower back.
• Swelling in the Legs: Fluid buildup and swelling, especially in the legs.
• Fatigue: Unexplained tiredness or weakness.
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite.

Diagnosis for Cervical Cancer

• Pap Smear (Pap Test): A routine screening test to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix that may indicate cancer or precancerous conditions.
• HPV Test: A test to check for high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer.
• Colposcopy: A procedure where a special magnifying device is used to examine the cervix for abnormalities after an abnormal Pap smear result.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample taken from the cervix during a colposcopy or other examination to check for cancer cells.
• Endocervical Curettage (ECC): A procedure to collect cells from the cervix's inner canal to check for abnormalities.
• Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of the pelvic area to check for abnormalities or signs of cancer.
• Imaging Tests:
  • Ultrasound: To check for tumors or other abnormalities in the pelvic region.
  • CT Scan (Computed Tomography): To assess if the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of the pelvic area to help stage the cancer.
  • PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): Used to check for spread of cancer to other parts of the body.
• Cystoscopy: A procedure that allows the doctor to examine the bladder and urethra if the cancer is suspected to spread to the urinary system.
• Rectal Exam: To check for spread of the cancer into the rectum or surrounding areas, especially in advanced stages.

Treatments for Cervical Cancer

• Surgery:

  • Conization: Removal of a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix to treat early-stage cancer.
  • Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, cervix, and possibly nearby tissues. It can be total or radical, depending on the cancer stage.
  • Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, typically for early-stage cervical cancer in women who wish to preserve fertility.
  • Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.

• Radiation Therapy:

  • External Beam Radiation: Targeted radiation directed at the pelvic area to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
  • Brachytherapy (Internal Radiation): Placement of radioactive sources inside the body, near or within the tumor, to provide localized treatment.

• Chemotherapy:

  • Chemotherapy Drugs: Medications to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often used in advanced stages or alongside radiation therapy.
  • Cisplatin-based Chemotherapy: Commonly used in combination with radiation for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.

• Targeted Therapy:

  • Monoclonal Antibodies: Drugs like bevacizumab (Avastin) target specific molecules in cancer cells to stop tumor growth and blood vessel formation.

• Immunotherapy:

  • Checkpoint Inhibitors: Medications such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, particularly in advanced stages or recurrent cancer.

• Chemoradiation: A combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, often used together for more aggressive treatment.

• Palliative Care: For advanced or metastatic cervical cancer, palliative treatments may help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, including pain management and symptom control.

Preventive Measures for Cervical Cancer

• HPV Vaccination: Vaccination against high-risk strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for most cervical cancer cases.
• Regular Pap Smears: Routine screening through Pap tests to detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix, allowing for early intervention before cancer develops.
• HPV Testing: Regular testing for high-risk HPV strains, particularly in women over 30, to identify infections that may lead to cervical cancer.
• Safe Sexual Practices: Using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
• Avoiding Early Sexual Activity: Delaying the onset of sexual activity, as younger women are more susceptible to HPV infections.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking, as tobacco use weakens the immune system and increases the risk of cervical cancer.
• Boosting Immune System: Maintaining a healthy immune system through proper nutrition, exercise, and avoiding immunosuppressive conditions.
• Prompt Treatment of Abnormal Pap Smears: Follow-up care and treatment for abnormal cell changes detected in Pap smears to prevent progression to cancer.
• Limit Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES): For women whose mothers took DES (a synthetic estrogen) during pregnancy, monitoring for early signs of cervical cancer is important.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight to improve overall health and immunity.

Do's & Don’t's

When it comes to cervical cancer, there are certain do's and don'ts that everyone should be aware of. By following these guidelines, individuals can take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection. 

If you suspect you or someone else is experiencing Cervical cancer, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services or consult with a Cancer Specialist.