Cancer care not only involves taking the right treatment once diagnosed. Recognising potential risk factors and avoiding them while focusing on personal well-being is also crucial. Unlike many other varieties of cancer, the causes of cervical cancer are limited, making its preventive measures more successful. To resort to effective measures to prevent the disease, it is important to build an overall understanding, including its causes and symptoms.
What is cancer of the cervix?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is a part of the birth canal and plays a crucial role in menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and protecting the upper reproductive tract. The cancer of the cervix is the growth of cells that begins on the surface of the cervix and spreads to other tissues surrounding it, including the uterus, bladder, etc. It is the fourth most common cancer found in women globally, according to WHO 2024, affecting mostly women of reproductive age.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by a type of virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV causes infection in the birth canal, which can become cancerous later. When they come in contact with the HPV, the immune systems of a small percentage of people fail to keep the virus in check. Hence, the virus survives in the body for several years, causing the cervical cells to develop into cancerous ones.
HPV is usually transmitted through sexual contact. This can be via a variety of ways, like:
- Penetrative sex – vaginal, anal or oral
- Skin-to-skin contact of the genital organs
- Sharing sex toys, etc.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Like many other varieties of cancer, cervical cancer can also be asymptomatic in the beginning. The symptoms that appear during the later stages of the cancer include
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding between periods, even after menopause
- Vaginal discharge that is bloody or with a foul odour.
- Pain in the pelvic region, lower back, or abdomen
Many symptoms of cervical cancer can also be confused with those of fibroid disease, endometriosis, etc., which is why keeping a check on the body and its functioning and seeking professional help when needed is crucial.
How to lower the risk of cervical cancer
Healthy sexual practices: Since the cause of cervical cancer is almost exclusively HPV, which is a sexually transmitted virus, keeping a check on one’s sexual health is one of the most efficient ways of preventing cervical cancer. These include:
1. Avoid sex with multiple sexual partners, since this may increase your chances of contracting the virus through individuals whose sexual history is unknown to you. People with many, especially strangers, as sexual partners are more likely to have other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like Chlamydia, Herpes, Syphilis, etc., which increases the chance and risk of contracting HPV.
2. Avoiding early sexual activity: This would help in avoiding the risks that are associated with engaging in sexual activities without proper awareness and preparation.
3. Practising safe sex: Preventing skin-to-skin contact almost fully removes the possibility of transfer of the virus. Hence, use protective methods such as condoms during intercourse.
4. Quit smoking: It is observed that HPV infections in people who use tobacco regularly are more common and fatal. They are also less likely to be cured. Therefore, it is advised to quit smoking.
5. Getting check-ups done: Having a family history of vaginal, vulval, kidney or bladder cancer increases the chances of one getting cervical cancer. It is important to discuss this with your physician and do important checkups. Women between the ages of 25 and 64 are advised to take regular screening tests to recognise any changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. Routine Pap tests are recommended.
6. Preventive vaccine: HPV vaccines are available for both children and adults. It is ideal to get vaccinated after consulting your doctor.
7. Healthy diet: Though the development of cancer oftentimes is not directly linked with diet, following a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, etc. (with antioxidants) helps reduce the accumulation of harmful toxins in the body. It also improves the metabolism. This reduces the risk of cancer.
How to treat cervical cancer
By mindfully observing preventive measures and undergoing routine check-ups, the risk of developing cancer can be avoided to an extent. Even if that is not the case, early detection of cancer can increase the chances of curing the disease manifold.
When diagnosed, treatment will depend on factors like the size and type of the cancer, the extent of its spreading, and your general health as determined by tests like colposcopy, CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, etc.
The treatment may involve any of the following ways or a combination of more than one of these:
- Surgery – to remove the parts or the whole of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tube, and ovaries.
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- A combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- Targeted therapy
In the case of advanced cancers, the cancer treatment is focused on managing the symptoms rather than curing the disease.
Bladder cancer symptoms and risk factors
Bladder cancer is sometimes associated with advanced cervical cancer when the disease spreads to the urinary system. Cervical cancer in advanced stages can spread to the bladder, causing this disease. Bladder cancer can develop independently in both men and women as well.
The symptoms of bladder cancer are as follows:
- Haematuria or blood in urine
- Frequent and painful urination
- Lower back pain
Certain risk factors that are linked with bladder cancer are as follows:
- Chronic bladder inflammation – untreated chronic urinary infection greatly increases the chance of bladder cancer.
- Increasing age – most of the people who are diagnosed belong to the age group of 55+.
- History of cancer – previously taking treatment for cancer and having a family history of the disease also puts one at risk.
About Star Hospitals
STAR Hospital, located in Banjara Hills and Nanakramguda, is a renowned multi-speciality healthcare provider recognised for its cutting-edge medical technology, highly skilled physicians, and patient-focused approach to care. The hospital offers an extensive array of services, including cardiology, orthopaedics, neurology, oncology, and critical care. As the leading cancer hospital in Hyderabad, STAR Hospital is home to a team of expert professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare tailored to each patient's needs. With some of the top radiation oncologists in the region, the hospital ensures your treatment is in capable hands. Additionally, STAR Hospital offers post-surgical preventive chemotherapy services, which have been efficient in significantly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Choosing STAR Hospital means you will receive comprehensive support and compassionate care throughout your healthcare journey, giving you peace of mind during challenging times.
Conclusion
Preventing cervical cancer calls for a proactive strategy that combines healthy lifestyle choices, regular checkups, and informed decisions about sexual health. By practising safe sexual behaviours, giving up smoking, following a healthy diet, and getting vaccinated against HPV, individuals can greatly lower their risk of developing this disease. Regular check-ups, including Pap tests, are crucial for early detection, improving the likelihood of successful treatment if necessary. Although the risk of cervical cancer can never be eliminated, understanding its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures can significantly reduce its impact. With advanced medical care available at institutions like STAR Hospitals, individuals can benefit from comprehensive treatment options, preventive services, and expert guidance to manage their health and prevent cancer.
