Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
The fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, cervical cancer kills 85% of its victims in low- and middle-income countries [1]. In developing countries, cervical cancer can account for up to 25% of all cancers in women, making it typically the most common disease affecting females. 2012 saw the discovery of 528,000 new instances of cervical cancer, 123,000 of which were in India. Approximately 266,000 women died from this illness in 2012, 67,000 of whom died in India [1,2]. The percentage of new cases and deaths that occur in low-resource areas or among members of socially and economically disadvantaged sectors of the population is about 85% and 90%, respectively [2]. Unprotected intercourse, polygamy, low socioeconomic status, early marriages, inadequate education, early menstrual cycles, many pregnancies, smoking, co-infections, HPV infections, changed hormones, and a weakened immune system have all been recognized as risk factors for cervical cancer. High-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16, 18, and 31 are sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that are carcinogenic and cause cervical cancer [3]. It is discovered that carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is linked to the majority of cervical cancer incidences [1,4]. Since the prevalence of HPV infection appears to be steadily rising, this issue is still crucial [4]. Although cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent diseases affecting women in low- and middle-income countries, both primary and secondary preventive strategies, including immunization against the human papillomavirus and preinvasive disease therapy, are viable. The Ministry of Health has called for a coordinated strategy to end cervical cancer, which entails a difficult set of actions at every level of a health service.
Cervical cancer stages
After you’ve been diagnosed, your doctor will assign your cancer a stage. The stage tells whether the cancer has spread, and if so, how far it’s spread. Staging your cancer can help your doctor find the right treatment for you.
Cervical cancer has four stages:
- Stage 1: The cancer is small. It may have spread to the lymph nodes. It hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.
- Stage 2: The cancer is larger. It may have spread outside of the uterus and cervix or to the lymph nodes. It still hasn’t reached other parts of your body.
- Stage 3: The cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or to the pelvis. It may be blocking the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. It hasn’t spread to other parts of your body.
- Stage 4: The cancer may have spread outside of the pelvis to organs like your lungs, bones, or liver.
What causes cervical cancer?
Most cervical cancers are caused by the virus HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. HPV spreads through sexual contact (anal, oral or vaginal) and can lead to cancer. Most people will get HPV at some point in their lives and not realize it because their bodies fight the infection. However, if your body doesn’t fight the infection, it can cause the cells of your cervix to change to cancerous cells.
HPV and cervical cancer
There are more than 100 kinds of HPV and about a dozen of them have been shown to lead to cancer. Early detection of these types of HPV is key in preventing cervical cancer. Regular screenings with your healthcare provider can help identify cell changes before they become cancer. The HPV vaccine can help prevent HPV infection by protecting you against the HPV that causes up to 90% of all cervical cancers.
Symptoms and Causes
What are the most common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early stages of cervical cancer don’t usually involve symptoms and are hard to detect. The first signs of cervical cancer may take several years to develop. Finding abnormal cells during cervical cancer screenings is the best way to avoid cervical cancer.
Signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer can include:
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and can have a foul odor.
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods or after menopause.
- Menstrual periods may be heavier and last longer than normal.
If cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, symptoms may include:
- Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood in urine.
- Diarrhea, or pain or bleeding from your rectum when pooping.
- Fatigue, loss of weight and appetite.
- A general feeling of illness.
- Dull backache or swelling in your legs.
- Pelvic/abdominal pain.
If you experience abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge or any other unexplained symptoms, you should have a complete gynecological examination that includes a Pap test.
Cervical cancer prevention
One of the easiest ways to prevent cervical cancer is by getting screened regularly with a Pap smear or hrHPV test. Screening picks up precancerous cells, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer.
HPV infection causes most cervical cancer cases. The infection is preventable with the vaccines Gardasil and Cervarix. Vaccination is most effective before a person becomes sexually active. Both boys and girls can be vaccinated against HPV.
Here are a few other ways you can reduce your risk of HPV and cervical cancer:
- limit the number of sexual partners you have
- always use a condom or other barrier method when you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex
An abnormal Pap smear result indicates you have precancerous cells in your cervix.
