Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Screening, Treatment & Prevention

Cervical cancer forms in the tissues of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (human papillomavirus), a virus that spreads through sexual contact. However, most cervical cancers can be detected early with regular preventive screenings, like a Pap test/smear, HPV test, or a self-collected vaginal swab.

This cancer often doesn’t cause symptoms until it begins to spread. All the more reason why regular screenings and the HPV vaccine are so critical. Cervical cancer is highly treatable when detected early. It can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and other cancer medications.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Stage I Cervical Cancer

Watery or bloody vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods or post-menopause
Pain during sex

If Cancer Has Metastasized

Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood
Diarrhoea or bleeding from rectum during defecation
Fatigue, loss of weight and appetite
A general feeling of illness
Backache or swelling in legs
Pelvic or abdominal pain

Regular Screening

Regular cervical cancer screenings with a Pap test can detect most cases of cervical cancer. The objective of such screening is to detect cell changes on the cervix before they become cancerous. A Pap test/smear entails examining cells from the cervix under a microscope for signs of precancers or other irregularities. If the Pap test comes back abnormal, further testing will be required.

Treatment

Options for treating cervical cancer hinge on several factors, like the stage of the disease, age and general health of the patient and whether she wishes to have children in the future. Treatment modes include radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. Another option is participating in clinical trials, which are controlled research studies to test new treatments for cancer.

Outlook Positive

Although cervical cancer is a very serious disease, it is highly treatable if detected early. If you have received a positive diagnosis, it is absolutely normal to feel down and upset, since the road to recovery is long and tough, and there could be unpleasant side effects.

This is when you lean on your near and dear ones and support groups to help you tide over this intense period of treatment till you reach remission and beyond. It helps to share your feelings with a counsellor or a close friend or family member. Once your treatment is over, you will be closely monitored to make sure the cancer doesn’t come back.

Hope in Excellent Survival Rates

If the cells are detected at a precancer stage, survival rates for cervical cancer are very good. If the cancer is detected before it has metastasized (which is in about 50% of the cases), the five-year relative survival rate is pegged at 91%. Even if the cancer has spread outside the cervix to nearby tissues, the five-year survival rate is around an encouraging 60%.

Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Get the HPV vaccine (if you are eligible)
Use condoms or other barriers during sex
Limit your sexual partners
Quit smoking or using tobacco products