Cervical cancer is abnormal cell growth starting in the cervix, the bottom part of the uterus connecting with the vagina. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common infection usually spread through sexual contact.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Initially, there may not be any symptoms at all. Later, as the cancer grows, some symptoms may manifest, like:

Bleeding from the vagina after intercourse, between periods or post-menopause
Heavy menstrual bleeding lasting longer than usual
Bloody and watery vaginal discharge which might have a foul odour
Pain in the pelvic region during intercourse

cervical cancer

What are the known causes of cervical cancer?

HPV is the cause of most cervical cancers and the virus is transmitted through sexual contact. For most people, the immune system can repel the virus, but in some, the virus can cause changes in the cells that could lead to cancer.

Depending on where the cancer begins, cervical cancers are classified into two types. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma, beginning in the squamous cells lining the outer part of the cervix. The other type, adenocarcinoma, begins in the column-shaped gland cells lining the cervical canal. In some cases, both types of cells are involved.

Known risk factors

Tobacco smoking: Smokers carry an elevated risk of cervical cancer, since HPV infections tend to last longer and refuse to go away in those who are heavy smokers.
Multiple sexual partners: The more sexual partners one has, the greater the chances of catching an HPV infection.
Early sex: Indulging in sexual activity at an early age raises the risk of HPV.
Having other STIs: Those who have other sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS, are more vulnerable to HPV.
Compromised immune system: When the immune system is weakened by another health condition, the person is more prone to having an HPV infection.

How can cervical cancer be prevented?

HPV vaccine: Taking a vaccine to prevent HPV infection can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer as well as other HPV-related infections.
Routine Pap tests: Pap tests are able to spot precancerous conditions of the cervix which can then be treated or observed to prevent cervical cancer. Doctors advise routine Pap tests to commence at age 21, to be repeated every few years.
Safe sex: Taking steps to prevent STIs, including using a condom or limiting the number of sexual partners, can cut the risk of cervical cancer.
Quit smoking: By not smoking, you are always giving yourself a better chance of combating the HPV menace.

How is cervical cancer treated?

Surgery : Radical Hysterectomy (Removal of uterus, cervix with the mass with adjoining healthy tissue margins plus removal of tonsills or lymph nodes from the pelvic blood vessels) can be done at very early stage of the disease. In young patients, who desire to become mother, Radical Trachelectomy (Removal of cervix with the disease with adjoining healthy tissue margins keeping the Uterus intact) can be done in very few selected early stage cases.
Radiation therapy: Also known as radiotherapy, this mode of treatment uses high-energy rays to damage or destroy cancer cells and halt their growth.
Internal radiation: This line of treatment is also referred to as implant radiation or brachytherapy where a capsule containing radioactive material is inserted into the cervix. This implant ensures that cancer-killing rays are brought in greater proximity with the tumour and most of the surrounding healthy tissue is spared.
Chemotherapy: Often used on cancers which have advanced or metastasised, this therapy uses powerful injectable drugs to kill cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: This method uses a clutch of drugs to attack proteins on the cervical cancer cells to slow their growth or destroy them.
Immunotherapy: When chemo doesn’t work or the cancer has spread, doctors sometimes use immunotherapy drugs to boost the immune system to help it kill cancer cells more efficiently.