Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Diagnosis, Prevention And Treatment

Do you know that Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women? Well, according to the World Health Organisation, around 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths occurred in 2020 due to cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer occurs due to the continuous growth of abnormal cells in women’s cervix, which later form lumps or tumours. It can lead to death if not detected or treated early. However, the good news is it’s preventable and recently, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman encouraged vaccination for girls aged 9 to 14 years to prevent cervical cancer during her speech on the Interim Budget 2024.

It is, therefore, essential to understand the urgency to know the possible causes and treatment options for cervical cancer. Read on to know everything about cervical cancer!

Key Highlights

• The major reason/cause of cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV).

• Cervical cancer is most commonly diagnosed between ages 35-44.

• More than 20% of cervical cancers are diagnosed after age 65, often in people who did not receive regular screenings before that age.

• There was an 11% reduction in incidence rates per year in women aged 20-24 since 2012, likely due to HPV vaccination.

• 5.0% of women in the general population are estimated to harbour cervical HPV-16/18 infection at any given time in India (HPV Information Centre, 2023)

Table Of Contents

1. What Is Cervical Cancer?

2. What Causes Cervical Cancer?

3. What Are The Signs Of Cervical Cancer?

4. Understanding Cervical Cancer Stages 

5. Diagnosis Of Cervical Cancer

6. What Are The Cervical Cancer Prevention Methods?

7. Cervical Cancer Treatment Options 

8. The Final Say

9. FAQs

10. References

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer which is marked by the growth of abnormal cells in and around the cervix of the women. It also affects the lower part of the uterus connecting it to the vagina. This cancer develops slowly and starts with abnormal changes in the cervical tissue called dysplasia.

If these changes are not treated, they can turn into cancer cells and spread deeper into the cervix and nearby areas. It is important to get routine check-ups and screenings to detect any abnormal changes early and prevent the development of cervical cancer.

Also Read: World Cancer Day 2024: Know Types, Symptoms, Causes And Prevention Measures 

Types Of Cervical Cancer

There can be different types of cervical cancer based on the cells/tissue of origin. They are:

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is mainly caused by a type of virus called human papillomavirus (HPV), which is commonly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and some strains, like HPV16 and HPV18, are considered high-risk as they can cause cancer.

Although most HPV infections go away on their own, some can stay in the body (remain latent) and cause abnormal changes/transformations in the cervix cells, which can eventually lead to cancer. It’s important to protect yourself by practising safe sex and getting regular cervical cancer screenings.

If you're worried about the possibility of cervical cancer, it's always a good idea to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what your risk is and suggest the best screening tests for you.

Here are some more potential causes of cervical cancer:

What Are The Signs Of Cervical Cancer?

It is essential to get info on all the symptoms of cervical cancer to get early treatment. Some of the most visible signs of cervical cancer are:

• Vaginal bleeding between menstruation/periods

• Longer or heavy menstrual bleeding than normal 

• Pain during and after intercourse 

• Pain in the pelvic region

• A change in the flow, smell or colour of your vaginal discharge 

• Vaginal bleeding after menopause.

  
  

Other conditions can cause these symptoms, but if you are worried or symptoms persist, contact your doctor.

Understanding Cervical Cancer Stages 

There are four (4) stages of cervical cancer that include:

1. Cervical cancer Stage I

It is the initial stage of cervical cancer, where the cancer is only spread to the uterus and not to the other parts of the body.

Stage IA: Here, cervical cancer can be diagnosed by examining tissue or cells under a microscope. Imaging tests can also help determine tumour size.

• Stage IA1: Cancerous area <3mm deep.

• Stage IA2: Cancer area depth ranges between 3 mm and 5 mm.

Stage IB: In this stage, the tumour remains in the cervix, but its size continues to grow.

• Stage IB1: Tumour is >5mm deep and <2cm wide.

• Stage IB2: Tumour size: Depth of 5mm or more, width between 2-4 cm.

• Stage IB3: Tumour width is ≥ 4 cm.

2. Cervical Cancer Stage II

At this stage, cancer spreads to nearby areas of the uterus like tissues near the cervix or vagina are still confined to the pelvic area. 

Stage IIA: The tumour is limited to the upper two-thirds of the vagina and has not spread to the adjacent parametrial area.

•  Stage IIA1:  tumour size is less than 4 cm wide.

•  Stage IIA2: tumour size is 4 cm or more in width.

Stage IIB: The tumour has spread to the nearby area, but it hasn't reached the pelvic wall.

3. Cervical Cancer Stage III

At this, the tumour affects the lower third of the vagina and may cause swelling of the kidney or stop the kidney from functioning. It may also spread to the pelvic wall or regional lymph nodes. However, there is no evidence of distant spread or metastasis. 

• Stage IIIA: The tumour affects the lower part of the vagina but hasn't spread to the pelvic wall.

• Stage IIIB: The tumour grows in the pelvic wall, affecting the kidney.

• Stage IIIC: At this point, the cancer has spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis.

4. Cervical Cancer Stage IV

It is the last stage of cervical cancer which marks the spreading of cancer to the bladder or rectum and other parts of the body. 

Stage IVA: Depending on the involvement of the cancerous cells in regions: 

• Tumour involvement: Cancer has extended beyond the cervix to involve either the bladder or rectum directly (contiguous involvement). Other pelvic structures close to the cervix (parametria) with no bladder or rectal involvement may also be affected. 

• Lymph node involvement: Lymph nodes in the pelvis or along the aorta (paraaortic) may be positive for cancer cells.

Stage IVB: Cancer has spread to distant organs beyond the pelvis, such as the lungs, liver, bones, or distant lymph nodes. Usually referred to as secondary or metastatic cancer. The most advanced stage with a very poor prognosis and limited treatment success. 

Diagnosis Of Cervical Cancer

Below are three tests that screen for cervical cancer and early changes in cells that can lead to cervical cancer:

1. HPV Test (Human Papillomavirus Typing Test)

This test is done on a sample of cells removed from the cervix or vagina and tested for strains of HPV commonly linked to cervical cancer. It may be done alone or combined with a Pap test.

2. Pap Test

Also known as a Pap smear, a sample of cells is gathered from the cervix during a gynecologic checkup. This test is used to detect early changes in cells that could become cancerous. It may be done alone or combined with an HPV test.

3. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)

In this screening test, the healthcare provider will look for changes in the cervix, which will turn white when exposed to vinegar. VIA is useful in places with limited access to medical care.

What Are The Cervical Cancer Prevention Methods?

You can follow these preventive measures to keep yourself safe from cervical cancer. Some of them are:

• Take HPV Vaccine: Ensure to take the recommended doses of HPV Vaccine on time to protect yourself from the risk of infection from human papillomavirus (HPV), (the virus that causes cervical cancer). The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9-13 years but can be given up to age 26 if the girl has not been vaccinated earlier.

  
  

• Follow routine checkups: regular medical examination helps to detect any flaws in the body. So, talk with your doctor and make a routine of monthly or yearly health checkups.

  
  

• Have routine Pap tests: Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix and help prevent cervical cancer. Experts recommend starting routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.

  
  

• Practice safe sex: Restoring your risk of cervical cancer can be done by taking steps to prevent sexually transmitted infections. This can be achieved by using protection every time you have sex and limiting your number of sexual partners.

  
  

• Quit Smoking: It is injurious to health and can lead to various cancers like lung, cervical, breast and many more, so it is best to quit smoking to avoid the risk of cancer.

Also Read: Diet For Cancer Patients: Nutrition, Foods And Tips For Longevity 

Cervical Cancer Treatment Options 

The various treatment options for curing cervical cancer are:

The Final Say

Cervical cancer is a serious women's health concern having major consequences on their health. It's crucial to know the causes, symptoms, stages, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment options available for this condition. Doing routine check-ups and early detection can help in the correct treatment.

By making your health a priority and staying updated with the prevention and treatment options, you can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. Remember, your health matters, and taking care of yourself is essential.

FAQs

1. How serious is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs due to the abnormal growth of the cells in the cervix that results in tumour formation. It is a serious condition in women, and if not treated on time it can spread to different parts of the body, leading to death.

2. Can cervical cancer be cured?

Yes, it can be cured if detected at an early stage. The following treatments can be given: 

• Surgery

• Chemotherapy

• Radiation therapy

• Immunotherapy

  
  

3. Why does cervical cancer occur? 

The possible reasons for cervical cancer are:

• Infection with HPV (human papillomavirus)

• Immune system deficiency

• Herpes

• Smoking

• Ageing

• Socioeconomic factors

• Using oral contraceptives

  
  

4. How is cervical cancer detected?

You can do the following tests to detect cervical cancer:

• HPV Test (human papillomavirus)

• Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)

• Pap Test

  
  

5. What are stage 1 cervical cancer symptoms? 

Some symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer are:

• Vaginal bleeding between menstruation/periods

• Longer or heavy menstrual bleeding than normal 

• Pain during and after intercourse 

• Pain in the pelvic region

6. What are the risk factors for cervical cancer? 

The possible risk factors of cervical cancer are

• HPV infectionImmune system deficiency

• Herpes

• Smoking

• Ageing

7. Is cervical cancer dangerous?

Yes, cervical cancer is one of the most dangerous types that affects every fourth woman around the world. In the year 2020, there were 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths occurred due to cervical cancer.

8. Is cervical cancer genetic?

Well, not all types of cervical cancer are genetic in fact around 70% of cervical cancers are due to HPV and merely 30% are due to hereditary factors.

References

• What Is Cervical Cancer? - NCI 

• Cervical cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic 

• Cervical Cancer: Types of Treatment 

• Stages of cervical cancer 

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