We Know: All About Cervical Cancer
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive system. It is located at the lower part
of the uterus and joins the uterus with the vagina. The cervix produces mucus that aids sperm in
getting to the uterus, and the cervix remains closed to keep the baby inside the uterus but opens
in childbirth.
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer for women in the world.
Cervical cancer is most likely caused by infection with the Human papillomavirus (HPV).
This form of cancer is rare in the United States because of excellent screening opportunities.
What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?
Women who do the following are at risk for cervical cancer:
- Infection by HPV causes is the primary risk for cervical cancer and is detectable through
PAP smears.
- Women with irregular PAP screenings are more likely to get cervical cancer.
- If HPV weakens the immune system or drugs suppress immune responses, women are more
susceptible to cervical cancer.
- Cervical cancer is more common in women over the age of 40.
- Women who have had many sexual partners risk getting HPV.
- Smoking increases the risk.
- Long term uses of birth control pills for women with the HPV infections.
- Women who have had many children and have HPV infections have a higher risk in
developing cervical cancer.
- Exposure to DES increases cervical cancer risk.
What symptoms are associated with cervical cancer?
Women who have cervical cancer are generally asymptomatic during the early stages. Women who
have advancing stages of cervical cancer may experience the following:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding between menstrual cycles, after sex, or after menopause.
- More vaginal discharge.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
- Pain experienced during intercourse.
How do I know if I have cervical cancer?
Regular screening with a PAP smear can locate changes in the cervix that indicate pre-cancerous
activity. Women should be screened once every three years.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
The following procedures may be used to confirm an abnormal PAP smear:
- Colposcopy - an instrument used to view the inside of the cervix to determine
the extent of the changes.
- Biopsy - involves removing samples of cervical tissue for examination.
- Punch biopsy - removes a tissue sample of the pre cancerous cells in the cervix.
- LEEP - if the initial biopsy indicates dysplasia, doctors may remove a thin
layer of tissue using an electric wire loop.
- Endocervical curettage - doctors use a curette to scoop samples of cervical tissue.
- Conization - doctors remove a cone-shaped sample of cervical tissue.
What treatments are available for cervical cancer?
Treatment depends entirely on the stage, type, and degree of cancer. Before settling on
one mode of treatment, your best bet is to get a second opinion to confirm that the prognosis is correct.
Once this has been determined, the treatment modalities for cervical cancer include:
- Surgery - good for non-metastatic tumors
- Total hysterectomy - the uterus and cervix are removed.
- Radical hysterectomy - the uterus, cervix, and part of the vagina are removed.
- Chemotherapy - best suited for cancer that has spread beyond the cervical region.
- Radiotherapy - best suited for cancer that has spread beyond the cervical region. There are two
types:
- External beam radiation - radiation therapy is applied to pelvic region outside
the body.
- Internal radiation - a tube with radioactive substances is inserted into the
vagina where the radioactive substances treat cancerous cells.
What do I do to prevent cervical cancer?
The best prevention of cervical cancer is to get regular PAP screenings from your medical professional.
Screenings can detect pre cancerous changes and get you started on treatments before a more serious
condition arises.
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