Women who have unprotected sex with multiple partners are at a greater risk of contracting HPV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Indulging in sexual activities at an early age increases the risk of getting the HPV infection. Smoking also increases the risk of squamous cell cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination reduces the chances of developing cervical cancer. A routine pap smear test is performed for the detection of early stages of cancer. Abstaining from smoking and engaging in safe and protected intercourse can prevent sexually transmitted diseases.

Treatments depend on the stage of cancer or age. Surgery (hysterectomy) is performed to remove either the cancerous part only or the entire cervix. In radiation therapy x-ray or photons are employed to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy treatment involves either oral or intravenous administration of drug. Immunotherapy is performed at last, when all the other treatment options are ineffective.

Cervical cancer is curable if it is diagnosed at a very early stage. In addition, with the availability of the right treatment nowadays, its relapse can also be kept under check/control.

Yes, there is around 35% chance of getting a relapse in a patient with cervical cancer. This rate is, however, lower if the cancer is detected at a very early stage.