Cervical Cancer: Definition, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Definition and Epidemiology

• Cervical cancer: a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina
• 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 570,000 new cases and 311,000 deaths in 2018

Risk Factors

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection: most common risk factor, responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancer cases
• Other risk factors:
  • Early age at first sexual intercourse
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Smoking
  • Weakened immune system
  • Family history of cervical cancer

Symptoms

• Often asymptomatic in early stages
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding:
  • Between menstrual periods
  • After menopause
  • After sex
• Pain during sex
• Vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain

Diagnosis

• Pap test (Pap smear): screening test to detect abnormal cells in the cervix
• HPV test: detects high-risk HPV types
• Colposcopy: examination of the cervix with a special microscope
• Biopsy: removal of cervical tissue for further examination

Stages

• Stage I: cancer confined to the cervix
• Stage II: cancer has spread to the upper part of the vagina or the parametrium
• Stage III: cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina or the pelvic wall
• Stage IV: cancer has spread to distant organs

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
  • Radical trachelectomy (removal of the cervix and surrounding tissue)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy (e.g., bevacizumab)

Prevention

• HPV vaccination: protects against high-risk HPV types
• Regular Pap tests and HPV tests
• Safe sex practices
• Avoid smoking