24 Jul, 2024
24 Jul, 2024
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This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Nidhi Gupta, Consultant - Gynecologic Oncology, HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad.
The cervix is a part of the female reproductive system that connects the vagina to the uterus. Cancer arising from the cells present in the cervical lining is referred to as cervical cancer or cervical carcinoma.
Patients experience several symptoms, such as pelvic pain and bleeding. Regular screening is recommended, especially in women with risk factors, for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
As per the GLOBOCAN 2022 study, cervix uteri, or cervix, ranks third in the list of most common cancers in India. Among women, it accounts for 17.7% of all cancers. Cervical cancer and breast cancer are identified as the most common cancers among Indian women.
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, which is an organ in the female reproductive system that connects the vagina to the lower section of the uterus. It is caused by an alteration in the cells (due to mutation) of the cervix.
A persistent, high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer.
Patients experience various symptoms, such as pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, pain during intercourse, and postmenopausal bleeding.
The precancerous changes may be detected through regular screening through HPV tests and Pap smears. It results in early intervention and reduces the risk of cancer progression.
Some of the cervical cancer risk factors are:
Some of the common ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer are:
Cervical cancer screening is a method to evaluate the changes in the characteristics of the cervical cells. The women may undergo screening tests for cervical cancer, such as a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test, a Pap smear test, or both.
Further, if there is any change in the cellular characteristics, the doctor may treat the precancerous lesions. If these are not treated, it may lead to cervical cancer.
Women with a high risk of developing cervical cancer should consider regular screening for cervical cancer or as recommended by their physician.
There has been a significant lowering of incidences and deaths due to cervical cancer since the introduction of the Pap smear test for screening. However, it is essential to consider that almost 60-80 percent of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer had not undergone a Pap test in the last five years. Most of them have not undergone tests even once.
A Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is an important screening tool for cervical cancer. Surgeons scrape cells from the cervix and examine the sample under a microscope to detect abnormalities. The Pap smear test detects precancerous and cancerous cells, resulting in timely diagnosis and appropriate intervention. Pap tests are recommended to be initiated at the age of 21 and repeated every three years.
It is a screening test recommended to detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains, which are linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer development. The test involves detecting the virus's genetic material. It may be generally recommended along with the Pap test or performed as a follow-up of the Pap test. It assists in timely monitoring, diagnosis, and intervention.
Recent guidelines suggest women up to the age of 45 years can take the vaccine, but the effectiveness of the vaccine would be lower as compared to that in young girls.
Even after vaccination, you need to visit for regular screening, as vaccination may not completely prevent the development of cervical cancer.
Dr. Nidhi Gupta
The risk of cervical cancer increases due to HPV infection. It is crucial to get the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention.
The vaccine protects against certain types of HPV that are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer. Further, these vaccines are equally effective in lowering the risk of anal cancer in men.
HPV vaccination is recommended for children between 9-14 years of age. You are also eligible for HPV vaccination if you are between 15 and 26 years of age, have not previously been vaccinated, and have never been diagnosed with cervical cancer.
Most cases of cervical cancer occur due to HPV infection, which is transmitted through sexual intercourse. When women engage in sexual activity, it is crucial to use protective barriers to prevent HPV infection.
Condom use is recommended as a cervical cancer preventive measure, as it helps reduce HPV infection transmission to some extent.
It is thus advisable to get vaccinated along with safer sex practices. It is also essential to avoid having multiple sexual partners.
It is essential to monitor the symptoms of cervical cancer, especially if you are in a high-risk category. You may speak to your physician about the right measures that you can take to reduce your cervical cancer risk.
Some of the common symptoms of cervical cancer are abnormal discharge from the vagina, pain during sexual intercourse, bleeding between the menstrual cycles or after engaging in sexual activity, or heavy bleeding during the cycle.
A healthy lifestyle is crucial to reducing one’s cervical cancer risk. If you are immunocompromised or have a poor immune system, incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet to boost immunity.
Further, smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer by 2-3 times in women who are already infected with HPV. It includes both smokers and those who are exposed to second-hand smoke. Therefore, it is important to quit smoking.
It is also necessary to exercise and maintain a healthy weight, as this helps you reduce your risk of getting cervical cancer, along with various other types of cancer.
One of the key preventative measures against cervical cancer is to avoid smoking. Smoking weakens the immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight against abnormal cells. It also reduces the body's action against HPV infection, which is one of the most common cervical cancer causes.
Tobacco may also contribute to the development of cervical abnormalities. Smoking cessation and regular screening could be an effective strategy to maintain cervical health.
Regular exercise may reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Physical activity strengthens the immune system, reduces body weight, and lowers the risk of chronic diseases. Exercise also maintains hormonal balance and reduces inflammation.
Although exercise alone cannot prevent cervical cancer, combining it with a healthy lifestyle, regular screening, and regular consultation with the doctor may reduce the risk.
Consulting a doctor is important to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. During consultation, the doctor may advise individuals to undergo screening tests, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, especially in women with high risk for cervical cancer.
The doctor may also recommend certain customized preventative measures that further lower the risk of cervical cancer.
These may include avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy diet. The doctor may also note any concerning symptoms and recommend further tests.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, a part that connects the vagina to the lower part of the uterus.
There are several risk factors for cervical cancer. These are HPV infection, multiple sexual partners, underlying medical conditions, an unhealthy lifestyle, low socioeconomic status, the early onset of menstruation, and a history of sexually transmitted disease.
Various cervical cancer precautions include practicing safe sex, reducing the risk of chronic HPV infections, regular screening, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, and consulting a doctor when persistent GI symptoms are experienced.
HPV Vaccination Recommendations | CDC
Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention - NCI
Risk factors for cervical cancer development: what do women think?
Cervical cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors and screening
Prevention of Cervix Cancer in India
How Does Tobacco Smoke Contribute to Cervical Carcinogenesis? - PMC
Exercise Could Lower Cervical Cancer Risk
Cancer risk in women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero
Author Bio : Dr. Nidhi Gupta
Consultant - Gynecologic Oncology
Dr. Nidhi Gupta is a seasoned gynecological oncologist practicing at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, a leading comprehensive cancer hospital in Ahmedabad. She has over 7 years of experience in managing different types of gynecological cancers through various surgical approaches. She is well-versed in partial and complete removal of the organs affected by cancer, along with lymph node removal. She also excels in performing minimally invasive surgical approaches, such as laparoscopic surgery and robotic surgery, to effectively manage different types of gynecological cancers.
To book an appointment with Dr. Nidhi Gupta, please click here.
