Transforming cancer care in Africa
cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix. The cervix is the narrow, lower part of the uterus that extends into the vagina. The uterus (womb) is where a baby grows during pregnancy, it is located just about the cervix. Most cases of cervical cancers start in cells on the surface of the cervix.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
The most common cause of cervical cancer is the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). This is the same virus that causes genital warts. There are approximately 100 distinct HPV strains, and HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the two that most frequently causes cancer. HPV can also cause other cancers in women and men. These may include:
Vulva cancer
Vaginal cancer
Penile cancer
Anal cancer
Rectal cancer
Tonsillar
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
Asides HPV, other factors that increase your risk of cervical cancer includes:
Have multiple sexual partners
Have a weakened immune system
Have a family history of cervical cancer
Have a sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Smoke cigarettes
Take birth control pills, especially for longer than 5 years
Started having sex before age 18 or within a year of starting your period
Even if you have one or more of these risk factors, you are not automatically doomed to get cervical cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer at the early stage usually does not show signs and is tough to detect. It might take a few years for the first signs to show up. The best way to avoid cervical cancer is by getting regular screenings to catch any abnormal cells early. Symptoms include:
Vaginal discharge that is watery or bloody, may be heavy, and has a bad odor.
Vaginal bleeding after sex, between menstrual periods, or after menopause
Menstrual periods may be heavier and continue longer than usual.
If cancer has spread to other tissues or organs, symptoms may include:
Pelvic pain , Trouble/pain urinating, sometimes bloody urine , Swollen legs , Kidney failure, Kidney failurFatigue, weight loss and lack of appetitee
Cervical Cancer Stages
Is Cervical Cancer Preventable?
The key to preventing cervical cancer is detecting cell changes early,
before they turn cancerous. Key components include:
HPV Vaccination: Getting the HPV vaccine can help protect against the most common HPV types that cause cervical cancer.
Regular Screenings: Pap tests and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes or early-stage cancer. Women should follow their healthcare provider's recommendations for screenings.
Safe Sex: Practicing safe sex by using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Quit using tobacco products and refrain from smoking.
Screening for Cervical Cancer
The aim of cervical cancer screening is to identify cell changes in your cervix before they turn into cancer. When these cells are discovered early, cervical cancer is highly treatable and less likely to progress.
Pap Test: This test checks for abnormal or irregular cells in your cervix.
HPV Test: This test reveals the high-risk strains of HPV infection that are associated with cervical cancer.
The Preventive Services Task Force of the United States recommends the following screening protocol for women based on age:
Ages 21–29: Have a Pap smear done once every three years.
Ages 30 – 65: Get a Pap smear once every three years, a high-risk HPV (hrHPV) test every five years, or a Pap smear with hrHPV test every five years
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
Surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are the most common treatments for cervical cancer.
Surgery : The most common types of surgery for cervical cancer are:
Simple Hysterectomy: This operation involves removing the uterus but not the tissue surrounding it. The pelvic and vaginal lymph nodes are also not removed.
Radical Hysterectomy with Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: During this procedure, the uterus, surrounding tissue known as the parametrium, your cervix, a little section of the upper part of your vagina, and lymph nodes from your pelvis are all removed.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells and prevent their growth. Treatment can be internal, external or both.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs that are injected into the veins or consumed orally to kill cancer cells. It enters into the bloodstream and is capable of destroying cells anywhere in the body.
Is it Still Possible to Conceive After Cervical Cancer Treatment?
Your ability to conceive after being diagnosed with cervical cancer will be determined by the stage of your illness and the sort of treatment you get. Have a discussion with your doctor about your wish to get pregnant and the treatment options available for cervical cancer. They should be able to address the risks and negative effects of cancer care on fertility.
References
Healthline. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment. Medically reviewed by Teresa Hagan Thomas PHD, BA, RN — By Stephanie Watson — Updated on February 14, 2022. (https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-cancer). Accessed 7/9/2023.
WebMD. Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Outlook. Medically Reviewed by Dany Paul Baby, MD on March 21, 2023. (https://www.webmd.com/cancer/cervical-cancer/cervical-cancer). Accessed 7/9/2023.