What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of
cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain strains of the
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection.
What are the Risk Factors?
The primary risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with high-risk HPV types. Other risk factors include:
Early sexual activity
Multiple sexual partners
Smoking
Immunosuppression
Long-term use of oral contraceptives
Having many children
What are the Symptoms?
Early stages of cervical cancer often have no symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., after intercourse, between periods, postmenopausal)
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Pap smear tests to detect precancerous or cancerous cells
HPV testing for high-risk virus strains
Colposcopy to closely examine the cervix and take biopsies if necessary
Biopsy to confirm diagnosis and determine the stage of cancer
Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix
Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall or lower third of the vagina
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the lower third of the vagina or pelvic wall, potentially causing kidney problems
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to nearby organs or distant parts of the body
HPV vaccination for girls and boys before they become sexually active
Regular screening with Pap smears and HPV testing
Safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms
Quitting smoking
What is the Prognosis?
The prognosis for cervical cancer largely depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage cervical cancer has a high survival rate, especially when detected through regular screening. Advanced-stage cervical cancer has a lower survival rate, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and early detection.
