Be quick and responsive against Cervical Cancer

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer grows slowly over time and usually starts with abnormal changes to the cells on the cervix, known as dysphasia.

Who can get cervical cancer?

Any woman can get cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over 30 years of age.

How common is cervical cancer?

It is the third most common cancer among the Indian population & the fifth most common among Europeans. It is the second most common life-threatening cancer among women worldwide, with incidence rates ranging from 4.8 per 1,00,000 women per year in the middle east to 44.3 per 100,000 in east Africa.

What are the possible causes of cervical cancer?

Human papillomaviruses (HPV), especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, play at least a major if not a necessary role in the aetiology of cervical cancer. However, many investigators acknowledge that HPV is not sufficient to induce cervical cancer and that a multifactorial etiology is likely. HPV can be found in a growing proportion of patients with cervical cancer, approaching 100%, but is not yet found in every patient with the disease.

 

Other factors, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 infections, cigarette smoking, vaginal douching, nutrition, and use of oral contraceptives, have been proposed as contributing factors.

 

Other factors, such as herpes simplex virus type 2 infections, cigarette smoking, vaginal douching, nutrition, and use of oral contraceptives, have been proposed as contributing factors.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

At an early stage, usually, there are no symptoms. however, the longer it takes for treatment to begin, the cancer may be in an advanced stage and the patient may experience the following symptoms:

    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
    • Unusually heavy (foul-smelling) vaginal discharge
    • Painful intercourse
    • Painful urination
    • Bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after a pelvic exam

However, these symptoms may be due to some other reason as well, hence it is advisable to consult a doctor if such symptoms are experienced.

How is screening for cervical cancer done?

There are two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it at an early stage:

Pap test or pap smear: A pap test is a procedure in which cells are taken from the cervix and examined under a microscope. It is most often done during a routine pelvic exam. There are many reasons for pap test results to be abnormal. Your doctor will know the best.

 

HPV test: The HR HPV test looks for the high-risk types of this virus that cause most cases of cervical cancer. Your doctor decides if the test should be done along with the pap test or at another time. Your doctor will recommend the next course of action after seeing the test results.

 

Cervical cancer screening recommendations for women at average risk

    • Cervical cancer screening should start at 21 years of age
    • A pap test every three years is recommended for women between the ages of 21 and 29.
    • Pap test and HPV test (co-testing) every five years between 30 and 65 years old or a Pap test every three years

How can i prevent myself from getting cervical cancer?

    • The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer by protecting against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer
    • Regular screening for cervical cancer
    • Following doctor’s recommendation if cervical cancer screening results are not normal
    • Using condoms

What is the recommended schedule of the HPV vaccine?

2 doses of HPV vaccine for adolescent/preadolescent girls aged 9-14 years. The minimum interval between doses should be 6 months.

For girls 15 – 26 years and immunocompromised individuals 3 doses are recommended. The schedule of the vaccine is 0, 1, 6 months. The vaccine can be given to women up to the age of 45.

Remember, your role is extremely important to prevent and fight cervical cancer. Be quick in consulting your doctor if you observe initial symptoms. Be responsive to your doctor’s recommendation.