Cervical Cancer Awareness

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.

However, It is the 2nd most commonest cancer in women after breast cancer.

AETIOLOGY / CAUSE

All women are at risk of cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age of 30.

• However, The principal cause of Cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus.
• 99.9% of it are caused by oncogenic strains of the Human papilloma virus.
• 70% of the cervical cancer are caused by the HPV types 16 & 18.
• Additional 20%  are caused by 31,33,45,52,58.
• HPV types 6 and 11 cause benign genital warts.
• Long lasting infection with HPV of prime importance.

NOW LET’s TALK ABOUT SOME RISK FACTORS FOR CERVICAL CANCER.

• Having a family history of cervical cancer.
• Early age of first sexual intercourse.
• Multiple sexual partners / sexual promiscuity.
• Early age at marriage.
• Decreased immunity e.g Diabetes mellitus, HIV
• Smoking.
• Oral contraceptive pills.
• Chlamydia infection.
• Low economic status.

SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER.

However, Many women with it don’t realize they have the disease early enough because it is usually asymptomatic until the late stages hence the importance to go for screenings.

Symptoms include;

• Unusual bleeding after sex or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that smells or looks different than usual.
• Pain in the pelvis
• Pain during urination
• Weight loss.

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER.

Hence , How do I prevent Cervical Cancer?

• Avoid tobacco use.
• Avoid sexual promiscuity.
• Avoid early onset of sexual activities.
• Practice sexual abstinence outside marriage.
• Early screening.
• HPV vaccination.

Methods of  screening.

• Pap smear
• Liquid based cytology
• Visual inspection with acetic acid.
• Visual inspection with Lugol’s iodine.
• HPV Screening.

NOTE: HPV vaccination does not preclude periodic screening. Screening interval varies between 3-5 years.

PROGNOSIS AND TREATMENT.

However, When it is caught in the early stages, when it’s still confined to the cervix the 5 year survival rate is 92%.

Hence, Once the cancer cells has spread within the pelvic area, the 5year survival rate drops to 56%.

If the cancer spreads the distant parts of the body, survival rate is 17%.

Routine test is important because when the cancer cells is caught early. It is very treatable.

TREATMENT.

However, There are different types of surgical treatment depending on how far the cancer cells  has spread,

• Cryosurgery: Freezes cancer cells with a probe placed in the cervix.
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the entire uterus and cervix.
• Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix and the top of the vagina but leaves the uterus in place so the woman can have children in future.

MYTHS AND FACTS.

Myth: you need a Pap test every year.

Fact: however, if your Pap test and HPV test are normal then there is no need to get a Pap test every year. Pap test is done every 3-5  years.

Myth: HPV is not common and it only affects people who have multiple partners so I should not worry about the HPV vaccine or Pap test.

Fact: HPV infection is widespread, it affects 80% of men and women.

Myth:HPV infection gets cleared from the body on its own.

Fact: In a few cases, HPV infection clears up on its own.However the infection can persist and can lead to serious health problems such as genital warts.

HPV and cervical cancer
However, There are more than 100 kinds of HPV and about a dozen of them have been shown to lead to cancer. Early detection of these types of HPV is key in preventing it. Regular screenings with your healthcare provider can help identify cells changes before they become cancer. However, The HPV vaccine can help prevent HPV infection by protecting you against the HPV that causes up to 90% of all cervical cancers.

What is pain like?
However, Pain from it may not feel like much in the early stages of the disease if you feel anything at all. As cancer progresses and spreads to nearby tissues and organs, you may experience pain in your pelvis or have issues urinating. However, Other people will feel generally unwell, tired or lose their appetite.