What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a condition with uncontrolled cell growth in the cervix (the part that connects vagina to uterus, that acts as passageway for the sperms to travel to the uterus or for the outflow of menstrual fluid)

What are the causes for cervical cancer?

The commonest cause for cervical cancer is a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, not every woman with a history of HPV develops cervical cancer.

Who is at risk of getting cervical cancer?

Young to middle aged women (between 20 and 44 years old) are at risk of developing cervical cancer. But, as per studies the average age at which cervical cancer is diagnosed is 50. The factors that may put a woman at risk of developing cervical cancer include:

Prolonged or long-term use of contraception pills (5 or more than 5 years)

  • Sexual practices such as indulging in sexual activities at a very young age (below 18 years), having multiple sexual partners, etc.
  • Early pregnancy (pregnancy before the age of 20)
  • History of chlamydia infection
  • Family history (mother or sister with history of cervical cancer)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Smoking history

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In the majority of cases cervical cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages. However, few notable symptoms of early stage cervical cancer include:

  • Abnormal vaginal discharge
  • Frequent urinary tract infections (UTI)
  • Vaginal bleeding not associated with period
  • Painful intercourse

In its late stage, cervical cancer generally presents as:

  • Persistent dull to sharp pain in the legs
  • Swollen legs
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fatigue and weight loss
  • Backache
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Blood in the urine
  • Difficulty in urinating

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

Cervical cancer is diagnosed through a Pap test or Pap smear test. During a Pap smear test, the doctor collects a few sample cells for the cervix with a swab. The cells are then laboratory tested for cancerous signs. In addition to Pap smear, your doctor may also perform physical tests to detect any abnormalities. If the Pap smear test comes back positive, then your doctor might recommend advanced tests such as colposcopy and cervical biopsy for confirmation of cancer, and radiological tests such as an MRI, CT scan, PET scan or a combination to determine the stage of the cancer.

What is cervical cancer screening?

Since cervical cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages, health care professionals recommend cervical cancer screening tests. The screening tests help check for any abnormal cells in the cervix and/or the presence of HPV, so it may be monitored and treated as early as possible.

Who is eligible for cervical cancer screening?

  • Women over the age of 25 - For women between the age of 25 and 65 the screening tests may include a standalone HPV test every 5 years, a combination of HPV testing and Pap testing, or a Pap test every 5 years.
  • Women who have undergone a total hysterectomy to treat cervical cancer or pre-cancer, then screenings should continue.
  • Women who've had a hysterectomy without having their cervix removed.

How to prevent cervical cancer?

The following precautions may help you prevent or reduce the risk of cervical cancer:

  • HPV vaccination 
  • Quitting smoking 
  • Regular cervical cancer screenings
  • Using condoms during sexual activity
  • Consuming healthy and balanced diet

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