Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, yet it is largely preventable with early detection and proper care. Although it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, regular screenings and vaccination have proven to significantly reduce the risk. This article will guide you through the causes, symptoms, and prevention of cervical cancer, emphasizing the importance of early intervention for a better quality of life.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is primarily caused by persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Other risk factors include:

HPV Infection: Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infections with high-risk strains of HPV, particularly types 16 and 18, which can lead to the development of cancerous cells over time.
Weakened Immune System: Women with compromised immune systems (e.g., those with HIV or those who are immunosuppressed) are more susceptible to HPV infections that may lead to cervical cancer.
Smoking: Smoking damages the DNA of cervical cells, increasing the risk of cervical cancer, especially in women with an HPV infection.
Age and Sexual Activity: The risk increases with age, especially in women over 30 who have had multiple sexual partners. Early sexual activity and a history of STIs can also increase the likelihood of HPV exposure.
Long-Term Use of Birth Control: Extended use of oral contraceptives (more than 5 years) can slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Early Symptoms to Watch For

In the early stages, cervical cancer often does not produce noticeable symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: This can include bleeding between periods, after sex, or post-menopause.
Unusual Vaginal Discharge: Watery, pink, or foul-smelling discharge can indicate cancer.
Pelvic Pain: Pain during intercourse or persistent pelvic pain can be a sign of advancing cervical cancer.
Painful Urination: A sign that the cancer may have spread to the bladder or urinary tract.
Leg Pain or Swelling: These symptoms may appear if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cervical cancer, when detected early, has a high survival rate. Early intervention can help avoid more severe complications. Here’s why early detection is crucial:

Stage I: Cancer is localized to the cervix, and the 5-year survival rate is about 92%.
Stage II: Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues but remains confined to the pelvic region, with a 5-year survival rate of 58-63%.
Stage III: Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall and/or the lower part of the vagina, with a survival rate of 35-40%.
Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs, and treatment becomes more challenging, but palliative care can improve quality of life.

[ Data source: National Cancer Institute https://www.cancer.gov  ]

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Prevention of cervical cancer primarily revolves around early screening and vaccination. Here’s how you can protect yourself

Routine Screenings:

• Pap Smear: A cervical screening test that can detect abnormal cells before they become cancerous.
• HPV Test: This test looks for the presence of HPV in cervical cells, especially high-risk types associated with cancer.

Vaccination:

• HPV Vaccine: The HPV vaccine protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus (types 16, 18, 6, and 11). It is recommended for girls and boys aged 11-12 and can be given up to age 26.
• Catch-Up Vaccination: If you missed the vaccine in your youth, it is still available for women up to age 45.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

• Quit Smoking: Smoking cessation significantly lowers the risk of cervical cancer and enhances your immune system’s ability to fight infections like HPV.
• Use Protection: Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of HPV infection, though they do not eliminate it entirely.
• Limit Sexual Partners: Reducing the number of sexual partners decreases the risk of HPV exposure.

Regular Check-Ups: If you’re over 21, schedule regular Pap smears and HPV tests with your doctor. If you have a history of abnormal Pap smears or are at higher risk, more frequent screenings may be necessary.

Take Charge of Your Health

Cervical cancer is preventable and highly treatable with early detection and vaccination. Don’t wait for symptoms to develop—regular screenings and lifestyle changes can prevent cervical cancer and save lives. If you are at risk or over the age of 21, talk to your healthcare provider about getting screened for cervical cancer.

Your Health Starts Here!

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Early detection and prevention are key. View to schedule your cervical cancer screening and learn more about the HPV vaccine. Take the first step towards protecting yourself and your health!