From US Food and Drugs Administration, I quote “Take charge of your health today—awareness, prevention, early detection, and action can save lives”. Cervical cancer is a cancer arising from the cervix due to the abnormal growth of cells that have the ability to invade or spread to other parts of the body. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and, when detected early, treatable cancers.
Epidemiology
Worldwide, cervical cancer is both the fourth-most common cause of cancer and deaths from cancer in women. In 2018, 570,000 cases of cervical cancer were estimated to have occurred, with over 300,000 deaths. It is the second-most common cause of female-specific cancer after breast cancer, accounting for around 8% of both total cancer cases and total cancer deaths in women. About 80% of cervical cancers occur in developing countries. It is the most frequently detected cancer during pregnancy, with an occurrence of 1.5 to 12 for every 100,000 pregnancies.
Understanding the basics, such as what causes cervical cancer, how to prevent it, and why early detection matters can help women protect their health.
Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) start to grow abnormally. It usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue. If these abnormal cells are not removed, over time they can become cancerous and spread to other parts of the body.
What causes cervical cancer?
Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that is passed on through genital contact (vaginal and anal sex), or skin-to-skin contact. Both women and men can become infected with HPV. There are over 100 types of HPV, but there are certain types of high-risk HPV that can cause cervical cancer. The best way to determine if you have HPV is to get tested by your health care provider.
These factors can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer:
1. Smoking tobacco or breathing in second-hand smoke
2. Immunodeficiency, a condition that makes it hard for your body to fight infections such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), autoimmune diseases, or taking immunosuppressant medications
3. Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
4. Giving birth to many children
5. Obesity.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, women may experience unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent or painful urination or discharge.
Diagnosis
The Pap test can be used as a screening test.
Biopsy; Confirmation of the diagnosis of cervical cancer or precancer requires a biopsy of the cervix. This is often done through colposcopy, a magnified visual inspection of the cervix aided by using a dilute acetic acid solution to highlight abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, with visual contrast provided by staining the normal tissues a mahogany brown with Lugol’s iodine. Imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI have been used to look for alternating disease, spread of the tumour, and effect on adjacent structures.
Treatment
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy.
Cervical cancer can cause not only physical challenges but also emotional and mental health struggles, such as anxiety, stress, and depression. If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, it is important to prioritize your overall well-being by seeking support.
Prevention
Regular cervical screening, HPV vaccines, condoms
Prognosis
Five-year survival rate.
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