Understanding Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention

Cervical cancer starts from the cervix and tends to affect women of all ages. Cervical cancer usually begins from the cells present on the surface of the cervix. However, this cancer can be hard to detect because it does not show symptoms until the later stages. Regular screening can play an important role in avoiding the risk of cervical cancer. 

It is important to note that not all precancerous cells can lead to cervical cancer, which is why it is essential to observe the process. Identifying cervical cancer from the initial stages can help to avoid the risk of cervical cancer. Since cervical cancer is common in India, with Dr Pankhuri Gautam, a senior gynaecologist in Jaipur, we help you determine the treatment accordingly. 

Let's first briefly understand cervical cancer and how it can be treated. 

How Common is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in India. Approximately 6-29% of women in India suffer from the risk of cervical cancer. The prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and the lower socio-economic status of the country often contribute to such a high risk of cervical cancer in women. 

Stages of Cervical Cancer

The doctor can inform you what stage of cervical cancer you are in after diagnosis. The stage of cervical cancer informs you on how far the cancer has spread. Understanding the stage of cervical cancer can play an essential role in opting for the right treatment accordingly. 

Cervical cancer is divided into four stages, which include:

• Stage 1: This is when your cancer is small and has spread only to the lymph nodes. 

• Stage 2: This stage is when the cancer is slightly larger and spreads outside the lymph nodes, mainly around the uterus or cervix, but not other body parts. 

• Stage 3: During this stage, the cancer has spread around the lower part of the vagina or pelvis. In this stage, the cancer may block the ureters or tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. 

• Stage 4: This is the final and most deadly stage when cancer spreads out of the pelvic region to other parts of the body like the liver, bones and lungs. 

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer 

Cervical cancer is slightly difficult to detect in the early stages because the symptoms usually don't show up until the later stages. However, if the symptoms of cervical cancer show up in the early stages, it may be mistaken for menstrual period or urinary tract infection. 

Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer are as follows:

• Pelvic pain

• Pain or burning sensation during sensation

• Urge to urinate frequently

• Abnormal bleeding after urination and sex

• Unusual vaginal discharge that smells and looks foul 

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling in legs and backache

Causes of Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is said to be one of the main causes of cervical cancer. Since there are different types of HPV, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are commonly associated with cervical cancer risk. 

However, it is important to note that being infected with a cancer-causing strain of HPV will not necessarily cause cervical cancer. A strong immunity system can eliminate the risk of cervical cancer within two years. 

If you do not have a strong immunity system, your body won't be able to find the cancer causing cells. As a result, you'll end up developing cervical cancer after being infected. 

Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

There are some risk factors leading to cervical cancer, which may be under your control. These include:

• If you haven't had regular Pap tests, you're probably at an increased risk of getting cervical cancer. 

• HPV infections are one of the major risks of cervical cancer. 

• Chain smokers or heavy smokers are often seen getting cervical cancer. 

• If you've had an HIV infection, you're at a greater risk of developing cervical cancer. 

• Having multiple children is also considered to be a huge risk factor. 

• A weak immunity system prevents the body from fighting against infections, which makes you prone to cervical cancer. 

• Teen pregnancy, especially the ones before the age of 17 years, can be prone to cervical cancer. 

• However, there are certain cervical cancer risk factors which may be out of your control, such as:

• Having a family history of cervical cancer. 

• If your mother had diethylstilbestrol to prevent miscarriage, you may be at a high risk of cervical cancer. 

Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Pap tests are one of the most common ways to diagnose cervical cancer. In the Pap Test, the doctor collects cells from the cervix, which is further examined for precancers or other irregularities. If the Pap smear is abnormal, the gynaecologist conducts further testing. 

The next stage of the test may also include an HPV test to check for HPV infection in the cervix. In the case of cancer detection, the collected tissue will be tested for biopsy. The doctor may obtain the tissue via punch biopsy or endocervical curettage. 

If the biopsy result comes out as cancer, they will conduct further tests to check if the disease has spread to other body parts. The gynaecologist may conduct other tests like:

• Liver and kidney tests

• Blood and urine test

• X-ray of the abdominal cavity, bladder, rectum and bowel. 

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

There are four significant treatments for cervical cancer, such as:

• Surgery: In this process, the gynaecologist will remove as many cancer-containing cells from the cervix as possible. 

• Radiation therapy: The high-energy X-ray beams from radiation will kill the cancer cells. It can be delivered outside the body via a machine or inside the body using a metal tube. 

• Chemotherapy: The drugs may be administered in the body via chemotherapy in cycles. The doctor will prescribe this treatment only for a certain period. 

• Targeted Therapy: The doctor may prescribe newer ways to prevent the growth of new blood cells. The targeted therapy may be administered via chemotherapy. 

Prevention Tips for Cervical Cancer

A Pap smear or HPV test can be one of the easiest and earliest ways to detect whether you have cervical cancer. The screening process will help detect precancerous cells, which can be easily treated before they become cancerous. 

Since HPV infection is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer, it is advisable to get proper treatment, too. The infection, however, can be easily prevented using vaccines, which a professional gynaecologist can recommend. The HPV infection prevention vaccines are the most suitable for sexually active people. 

Some of the other ways through which you can prevent the risk of HPV are as follows:

• Do not have multiple sexual partners. 

• Make sure to use a condom or any other effective barrier method before indulging in oral, vaginal or anal sex. 

Can Cervical Cancer Affect My Fertility?

Whether or not cervical cancer can affect your fertility completely depends on the treatment method. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to get pregnant after cervical cancer treatment. However, if your treatment involves complete removal of the womb or radiotherapy, then you may become infertile. 

Radiotherapy during cervical cancer treatment can prevent your ovaries from functioning normally. Thus, the chances of getting pregnant after the treatment can be reduced significantly. It is advisable to reach out to the gynaecologist to understand the risks and whether you can get pregnant after treatment. 

Final Thoughts

Cervical cancer can be diagnosed per the guidance of a gynaecologist. It is important to connect with the doctor as soon as you start noticing the symptoms of cervical cancer. Furthermore, opting for cervical cancer treatment with us can help to elevate the procedure and prevent the risk of infertility. However, the best would be to get an HPV shot as soon as possible to prevent the risk of cervical cancer in the later stages. If you're seeking HPV injection or treatment, contact Dr Pankhuri Gautam and let's figure out the best treatment.