Cervical Cancer Overview

What is Cervical Cancer?

• Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
• It occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with certain types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) being high-risk.
• Other risk factors:
  • Weakened immune system
  • Early sexual activity
  • Multiple sexual partners
  • History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Family history of cervical cancer
  • Smoking

Symptoms

• Early stages: often asymptomatic
• Advanced stages:
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., between periods, after sex, or after menopause)
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Pain during sex

Screening and Diagnosis

• Pap test: a routine screening test to detect abnormal cells in the cervix
• HPV test: a test to detect HPV infection
• Colposcopy: a procedure to examine the cervix and vagina using a special microscope
• Biopsy: a procedure to remove a sample of cervical tissue for further examination

Stages

• Stage 0: carcinoma in situ (abnormal cells in the cervix that have not invaded deeper tissues)
• Stage I: cancer is confined to the cervix
• Stage II: cancer has spread to the vagina or parametrium (tissue surrounding the cervix)
• Stage III: cancer has spread to the pelvic wall or vagina
• Stage IV: cancer has spread to distant organs (e.g., bladder, rectum, or distant lymph nodes)

Treatment

• Surgery: removal of the cervix, uterus, or surrounding tissues
• Radiation therapy: uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: uses drugs to kill cancer cells
• Combination therapy: a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy

Prevention

• HPV vaccination: protects against high-risk HPV types
• Regular Pap tests and HPV tests: early detection and treatment of abnormal cells
• Safe sex practices: using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners
• Quitting smoking: reduces the risk of cervical cancer