Cervical cancer, like breast cancer, affects many women all over the world today. It occurs in the cervix, which is the narrow opening connecting the vagina and the uterus. But unlike breast cancer, cervical cancer may be prevented through immunisation and treated successfully if it is detected at an early stage.
Human Papillomavirus
The culprit behind many cervical cancer cases is a virus known as HPV, which stands for human papillomavirus. This sexually transmitted virus, which affects women mainly between 20 and 24 years of age, comes in several types, and four have been identified as the usual causes of abnormal cell growth in the cervix. In 98% of cases HPV will clear up by itself, and the transition to cancerous cells can take 10 years (Source: www.health.gov.au).
The two major types of cancer that may develop in the cervical cells are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Squamous cell cancer develops in the thin, flat cells that line the cervix, while adenocarcinomas develops in the glandular cells that are located in the upper region of the cervix.
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
When the cervix develops cancerous cells, its symptoms are not readily observed by the patient. Oftentimes, it is only when the malignant cells are at an advanced stage that the following signs are experienced:
- Abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Pain during sex
- Heavy, unusual and foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Painful and frequent urination
- Pelvic pain
Other noticeable symptoms in cervical cancer patients include backache, vomiting, nausea, high fever, fatigue and abdominal bloating. According to research, this type of cancer is more prevalent in developing countries, where not all women have access to regular cervical cancer screening. It has also been found to be lower in African American and Hispanic women, but this is likely because they do not undergo routine screening.
How to Detect Cervical Cancer
There is no other way to detect cervical cancer symptoms than through regular screenings. A cervical screening reveals the presence of abnormal tissue in a woman's cervix before it develops into cervical cancer. A typical cervical screening involves the following procedures:
Pap Smear
Women who are sexually active are advised to undergo a papanicolaou or Pap smear at least once a year to detect any abnormal cervical tissue growth. This is because cancer cells take some time, usually years, to develop. A woman may not show any abnormal cells this year but may eventually develop cancer cells after a year or so. A GP can perform a Pap smear during a speculum pelvic exam, taking a tissue sample from the cervical cells. Although uncomfortable, the procedure is fast and relatively painless.
HPV Screening
Many medical practitioners may recommend that a woman submit herself to an HPV screening to determine the presence of the virus in her cervix. This is especially important for those who are planning to take the HPV immunisation shots, as women who have been infected by HPV may not be given the HPV vaccine.
Source: DES Daughter Network
Colposcopy
A woman who has tested positive for HPV may be advised by her doctor to undergo a procedure called colposcopy. During a colposcopy, the woman's cervix is examined under greater magnification and a larger sample of precancerous cells is usually taken and tested for cancer.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer
- Get detected early. Visit your GP for Pap smears and pelvic examinations regularly - once a year is recommended. Abnormal cell growth that is detected at an early stage may be treated before they develop into malignant cancer cells. As with most illnesses, early detection is important. According to the Cancer Council, regular pap smears can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Australia by 90%.
- Practise safe sex. Since the HPV virus is transmitted during sexual contact, you lower your chances of getting infected by using condoms every time you engage in sex when not in a monogamous relationship.
- Boost your immune system. A virus can easily attack healthy cells in your body if you have a weak immune system. Take your multivitamins religiously, maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to keep your immune system in good working condition.
- Quit smoking. Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cancers, cervical cancer included.
- Vaccination. There is a vaccine available that works on the premise that HPV contributes to the occurrence of cervical cancer. However, to go on the vaccination program, a pap smear must first take place. So, women need to decide that if there is no sign of HPV, are the side effects of the vaccine worth the 'insurance'?
According to the vaccine manufacturer, Merck, in the United States only 7% of the population is estimated to have HPV, and of this 7% 'most' would find HPV to go away of its own accord. Furthermore, it lists side effects to include pain, swelling, erythema, fever, nausea, pruritus and dizziness. The Cancer Council showed that some test cases experienced slight fever, redness or irritation on their skin at the site of vaccination.
Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer treatments vary between stages of cancer. For early-stage cervical cancer, a simple hysterectomy, or surgical removal of the uterus and any nearby tissue, is frequently recommended. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy, on the other hand, are recommended for stage 2 cervical cancer patients.
Although advanced cancer is rarely curable, there are ways to manage it. When the cancer cells have spread to other organs of the body, which is common in the late stages of cervical cancer, a combination of surgery, radiation, biological therapies and targeted therapy medications is often used.
The progression of cervical cancer in women depends on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Cervical cancer that is detected in its early stages has a much higher survival rate than cancer that is discovered later in its progression. The overall life expectancy of cervical cancer patients is also affected by other health conditions that they may be suffering from in addition to the cancer. Their age, medical history or previous illnesses, and lifestyle habits are all important factors in determining the best management options to improve their quality of life.
If you or someone you care about has cervical cancer, speak with a gynecologic oncologist about your treatment options. Working with a natural health practitioner who specialises in cancer treatments is also important for boosting the body's innate healing abilities to combat cancer cells.
Originally published on May 17, 2009
