What is Cervical Cancer? Causes, Symptoms, Diagnose & Risks

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer among women globally. Approximately 6,60000 cases are reported worldwide each year, resulting in 3,50000 deaths. The best way to prevent this disease is to increase awareness of it. In this article, you will learn about what cervical cancer is, why it occurs, its symptoms, prevention measures, and the symptoms that require treatment.

What is cervical cancer?

In women, the cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer is caused by an infection in the cervix cells due to a virus called Human papillomavirus (HPV).

In most cases, the body's immune system can deactivate this virus. However, in 5% of cases, the virus can persist in the body for an extended period and continue to spread slowly. This virus can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix and affect their DNA, causing the cells to multiply and potentially form a tumor. Cervical cancer progresses slowly, so early detection allows for effective treatment.

Cervical cancer and Cervical are the same or different?

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

There are usually no symptoms of cervical cancer in the early stages. Symptoms typically appear as the cancer progresses.

- Abnormal vaginal bleeding - such as after sex, between periods, or even after menopause.

- Pain while having sex.

- Abnormal discharge from the vagina which may be watery, bloody or intense smelling.

- Pain in the pelvic / lower abdomen

- Swelling in legs

- Backache

- Stomach pain

- Pain in bone 

- Weight loss and loss of appetite

- Tiredness

- Trouble urinating

When to contact a doctor

If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause, which should not be ignored. Then it is important to contact a doctor immediately.

Causes of cervical cancer

The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with the HPV virus, which causes abnormal growth of cells in the cervix, forming a tumor. In some cases, these abnormal cells can spread to other parts of the body and cause cancer.

There are many such situations when the risk of HPV virus infection is high.

- Taking contraceptive pills for a long time.

 

- Having sexual relations with more than one person.

- Starting sexual life before 18 years of age or within one year of menstruation.

-Low immunity weakens the body's ability to fight off infections, allowing the HPV virus to persist and eventually lead to cancer.

- Not have been vaccinated against HPV.

-Smoking reduces a person's immunity, making it difficult to fight off viruses.

- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also raise the likelihood of contracting infections.

Cervical cancer treatment

Mainly there are 2 tests to detect cervical cancer -

1. Pap test – In this test, the doctor takes a sample of some cells from the cervix. Then, he will examine these cells under a microscope for any change in the structure, especially in the DNA.

If the cells are found changed, then these cells are sent further for biopsy. Where they want to be examined for the presence of cancer.

2. HPV Test - In HPV test, a sample of some cells is taken from the cervix. In which HPV virus infection is examined.

After the detection of cervical cancer, doctors start treatment accordingly. Which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, along with medicines.

Ways to prevent cervical cancer

For cervical cancer, it is important to take necessary preventive measures regularly from the beginning. For which the following steps can be taken.

Get vaccinated for HPV - Getting vaccinated for HPV is the best way to avoid its infection. If there is no infection in the body then there is no possibility of it turning into cancer later.

Have sexual relations thoughtfully - One should always avoid having sexual relations with more than one person because in such cases the risk of infection is very high.

Quit smoking - Smoking reduces the immunity of our body and increases the chances of it getting affected by diseases.

Pap test - The Pap test should be done at regular intervals every few years. This test helps monitor the onset of cervical cancer. If it is detected in the initial stage, it can be prevented by taking the right steps for treatment.

Have safe sex – Always try to use a condom whenever you have sex. So that infection cannot enter the body.

Why do Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America, and Southeast Asia experience a disproportionately high burden of cervical cancer?

Every year, approximately 6 million new cases of cervical cancer are registered worldwide. Out of these cases, 3 million patients die. Globally, the mortality rate of cervical cancer is 9.1%, but this rate is significantly higher in certain countries, where 95% of the total deaths occur. There are many reasons for this alarming statistic.

1. In low-income countries, a large population lacks access to basic health services due to poverty. As a result, many cancer cases go undetected until the disease has already spread by the time individuals seek medical help.

2. There are stereotypes in the rural areas of low-income countries that prevent women from openly discussing this disease, as it is considered taboo to talk about sexual health issues.

3. Due to a lack of awareness, many women do not recognize when they need treatment for cancer.

4. Women often seek help at the nearest health centers, but these facilities may not have the necessary tests to diagnose the disease accurately. Traveling long distances for proper treatment often exhausts the limited resources available to many women.

Also read – What happens due to Vitamin B12 deficiency – Know the causes, symptoms, and treatment.

Some questions

1. What is the main cause of cervical cancer?

The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18. These types of HPV can lead to cellular changes in the cervix that may develop into cancer over time.

2. How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18. Other significant risk factors include smoking, having a weakened immune system, long-term use of oral contraceptives, and engaging in early or multiple sexual activities.

3. How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Cervical cancer is diagnosed primarily through a Pap smear to detect abnormal cells and an HPV test for high-risk HPV types. If abnormalities are found, a colposcopy and biopsy are performed to confirm the diagnosis.

4. What causes 90% of cervical cancer?

Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16 and HPV-18, causes about 90% of cervical cancer cases.

5. How to avoid cervical cancer?

To avoid cervical cancer, get vaccinated against HPV, undergo regular Pap smears and HPV tests, practice safe sex to reduce HPV transmission, and avoid smoking.

Edited By -

Dr. Dolly