Cervical Cancer

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina). It is the 4th most common cancer in women globally, with most cases linked to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection.

Key Facts About Cervical Cancer

• Most common in women aged 35–44, but the average diagnosis age is 50.
• HPV causes 90% of cervical cancers—spread via skin-to-skin contact (sex, oral sex, etc.).
• Most HPV infections clear naturally, but persistent high-risk strains can lead to cancer over time.

Why Does HPV Cause Cervical Cancer?

The immune system usually fights off HPV, but some high-risk strains (HPV-16, HPV-18) evade detection. Over 5–10 years, untreated HPV can trigger abnormal cell changes (dysplasia), leading to cancer; that’s why it is advised to go for regular screenings.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is classified on the basis of how much and how far it has spread. Basically, it has 4 main stages, which are mentioned below:

Stage 1: Cancer is Confined to the Cervix

• 1A: Tiny tumors visible only under a microscope.
• 1B: Larger but still within cervix (≤4 cm).

Stage 2: Spread Beyond Cervix but Not to Pelvic Wall

• 2A: Invades upper vagina.
• 2B: Reaches nearby tissues (parametrium).

Stage 3: Advanced Local Spread

• 3A: Lower vagina involved.
• 3B: Reaches pelvic wall/kidneys (may cause swelling).

Stage 4: Distant Metastasis

• 4A: Bladder/rectum is affected.
• 4B: Spread to lungs/liver.

Symptoms & Early Warning Signs

As the cancer in the cervix grows, it shows some symptoms, which are:

• Bleeding during intercourse
• Bleeding between periods or after menopause
• Bleeding, which is way heavier than normal and extends much
• Bloody watery discharge with a foul odor.
• Pelvic pain
• Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and weight loss.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes

Cervical cancer primarily develops due to long-term infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to abnormal cell growth in the cervix. HPV spreads through sexual contact and can cause genetic mutations in cervical cells, leading to cancer if left untreated.

Risk Factors

Several factors increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer:

• HPV Infection
• Multiple Sexual Partners
• Early Sexual Activity
• Weakened Immune System
• Smoking
• Long-Term Use of Oral Contraceptives
• Lack of Regular Screenings
• Multiple Pregnancies
• Family History

Diagnosis & Tests

Screening Tests (For Early Detection)

Regular screening helps detect precancerous changes before they develop into cervical cancer.

• Pap Smear (Pap Test) – A sample of cervical cells is collected and examined for abnormalities.
• HPV Test – Detects high-risk HPV types that may cause cervical cancer. Often done alongside a Pap test (co-testing).

Diagnostic Tests (If Screening Shows Abnormal Results)

If screening results are abnormal, further tests are done to confirm or rule out cervical cancer.

• Colposcopy – A magnified view of the cervix using a colposcope to examine abnormal areas.
• Biopsy – Small tissue samples are taken for lab analysis to check for cancerous or precancerous cells.

Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of cancer, overall health, and individual preferences. Common treatment approaches include:

• Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Combination Therapies

Surgery

• Primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer.
• Cone biopsy (conisation) – Removes a small part of the cervix (for very early-stage cancer).
• Simple hysterectomy – Removes the uterus and cervix.
• Radical hysterectomy – Removes the uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina, and nearby lymph nodes.
• Trachelectomy – Preserves fertility by removing only the cervix.
• Pelvic exenteration – Used in advanced cases, may involve removing the bladder, rectum, or colon if cancer has spread.

Radiation Therapy

• Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells.
• Commonly used for locally advanced cervical cancer (Stages II & III) or after surgery.
• Types of radiation therapy:
  1. External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) – Directs radiation from outside the body.
  2. Brachytherapy (internal radiation) – Places radioactive sources inside the cervix for targeted treatment.
• Often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation) to enhance effectiveness.

Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Commonly used for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.
• Often combined with radiation therapy for better outcomes.
• Common chemotherapy drugs:
  1. Cisplatin
  2. Carboplatin
  3. Paclitaxel
  4. Topotecan
• Administered in cycles, given before/after surgery or as a palliative treatment for metastatic cancer.

Immunotherapy

• Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Used for metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer.
• Key drugs:
  
  • Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) – An immune checkpoint inhibitor for PD-L1-positive tumors.
  • Bevacizumab (Avastin) – A targeted therapy that blocks blood supply to the tumor, slowing growth.
• Often used when chemotherapy alone is ineffective.

Cervical Cancer Treatment Side Effects

Cervical cancer treatment can lead to a range of side effects depending on the type of therapy used. Here are some common cervical cancer treatment side effects:

1. Surgery
   
   • Pain and swelling at the surgical site
   • Risk of infection
   • Potential impact on fertility (if ovaries or uterus are removed)
2. Chemotherapy
   
   • Fatigue
   • Nausea and vomiting
   • Hair loss
   • Weakened immune system, increasing the risk of infections
   • Anemia
     
3. Radiation Therapy
   
   • Skin irritation in the treated area
   • Fatigue
   • Bladder and bowel issues (e.g., frequent urination, diarrhea)
   • Vaginal dryness and irritation
4. Immunotherapy
   
   • Fatigue
   • Flu-like symptoms
   • Skin reactions (rash, itching)

Prevention & Vaccination

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination, regular screening, and lifestyle modifications. Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing this disease.

1. HPV Vaccination

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV vaccines protect against high-risk HPV strains (such as HPV 16 and 18) that cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is most effective when given before exposure to the virus, typically in adolescence.

Recommended HPV Vaccination Schedule:

• Ages 9–14: Two doses, given 6–12 months apart.
• Ages 15–26: Three doses over six months.
• Ages 27–45: Vaccination may still be beneficial but is recommended based on individual risk factors.

Common HPV vaccines include Gardasil 9, Cervarix, and Gardasil, which provide protection against multiple HPV strains.

2. Regular Screening & Early Detection

Routine screening helps detect precancerous changes early, preventing cervical cancer from developing.

Screening Tests:

• Pap Smear (Pap Test): Detects abnormal cervical cells; recommended every 3 years for women aged 21–65.
• HPV Test: Identifies high-risk HPV infections; recommended every 5 years for women aged 30–65 (alone or with a Pap test).
• Co-Testing (Pap + HPV Test): Preferred method for women aged 30–65 for comprehensive screening.

Early detection of abnormal cells allows for timely treatment, preventing progression to cancer.

3. Practice Safe Sex

Since HPV is transmitted sexually, practicing safe sex can lower the risk of infection. Using condoms and limiting multiple sexual partners can help reduce exposure to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking weakens the immune system and increases the risk of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking improves overall health and reduces susceptibility to HPV-related cancers.

5. Healthy Lifestyle & Immune Support

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a strong immune system helps the body fight infections, including HPV. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants supports immune function and cellular health.

Survival Rates & Prognosis of Cervical Cancer

The prognosis for cervical cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis, treatment effectiveness, and overall health. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, while advanced stages have lower survival due to cancer spread.

Stage-Wise Survival Rates (Based on 5-Year Relative Survival Data)

Battling cervical cancer can be overwhelming without the right medical guidance. To ensure you’re on the right path to effective treatment, CancerRounds is here to support you every step of the way.

CancerRounds offers comprehensive assistance, including language interpretation, accommodation management, medical visa support, hospital selection, doctor appointments, and follow-ups, making your treatment journey smoother and stress-free.

FAQs

1. Can I have children after a cervical cancer diagnosis?

Yes, fertility preservation options like trachelectomy can allow some women to have children after treatment for early-stage cervical cancer.

2. Is cervical cancer contagious during sexual intercourse?

No, cervical cancer itself is not contagious, but the HPV virus, which causes it, can be transmitted through sexual contact.

3. How does smoking affect cervical cancer risk?

Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer by weakening the immune system and making it harder to fight off HPV infections.

4. Can men be affected by HPV-related cancers?

Yes, men can develop HPV-related cancers such as penile, anal, and throat cancers.

5. How long can an HPV infection last before developing cervical cancer?

HPV infections can last from 1 to 2 years, but persistent infections with high-risk strains can take 10 to 15 years to develop cervical cancer.