A woman’s reproductive system (vagina, ovaries, labia and cervix) plays an extremely important role. It helps in many ways to make her whole body work properly.
It is a part of creation, responsible for carrying the baby into the womb, and while doing so helps create the hormones for pregnancy. Before the reproductive system enters the zone of pregnancy, it is responsible for bleeding (or menstruation).
The cervix from all other reproductive organs is located at the neck of the uterus (A pear-shaped organ that plays a critical role in menstruation, fertility and pregnancy) and at the end of the vaginal canal. It’s not too big. No more than 3 – 5 cm and 2 -3 cm. But this little organ has many important functions to perform.
When a woman’s body is not carrying a child, the cervix keeps it healthy. It can change its color and shape during menstruation and the life cycle. But during pregnancy, the cervix holds the baby in place until it is fully developed.
Since the cervix does so much during as well as before reproduction, it is important to keep it healthy and free of challenges. As, in this day and age, cancer is definitely a growing concern, and cervical cancer is more so.
In Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2024, this article will give you a comprehensive view of cervical cancer.
Through this article, we are confident that all these women could take care of their cervix before cancer-causing infections affect them.
What is cervical cancer?
The cervix, which is the lower and narrow end of the uterus (womb) connecting the vagina (birth canal) and the uterus (the upper part where the fetus grows), has two main cells:
- The squamous cells
- Glandular cells
The doctor often sees these cells through gynecological exams to check for cervical cancer. These two cells meet at the squamous column (also known as the transformation zone). The precancerous changes of cervical cancer occur here.
Cancer affects the deep tissues of the cells that line the cervix. But the problem begins when the cells of the cervix begin to multiply.
These are abnormal cells that appear in cervical tissue. They grow gradually and take a precancerous position. If these cells are not removed over time, they become cancerous. They multiply and reach the final stage within a year.
According to the WHO, about 90% of women (ie about 342000 deaths) suffer from cervical cancer worldwide. According to GLOBOCAN 2020, in India, cervical cancer is the 3rd the most common cancer (6 – 29% of Indian women suffer from cervical cancer), and it is the second leading cause of death.
Early diagnosis with effective treatment is the key to preventing cervical cancer.
Does cervical cancer have early warning signs?
To check the signs of cervical cancer, a Pap smear and HPV test will be done to check the signs of cervical cancer. While the Pap test aims to detect cellular changes to indicate the development of cancer, the HPV or human papilloma test detects cancer-causing viruses such as HIV and HSV (herpes).
Early signs of cervical cancer
However, early signs of cancer are difficult to detect. But if any symptoms are detected, he will bleed vaginally or have pain in the pelvic area after a sexual activity. She will have heavy bleeding during her period.
Signs of mature cervical cancer
But when the cancer reaches a mature stage, there will be some uncomfortable signs of cervical cancer. It is very difficult for her to poop. There may also be bleeding from the rectum during a bowel movement. Painful urination or bloody urine is not unusual. She will feel tired, swelling in the legs and pain in the abdomen as well.
Ignoring these symptoms can delay treatment.
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is usually common in women between the ages of 35 and 44. Some 50-year-olds are also diagnosed with this condition. While 80% to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, 10% to 20% are adenocarcinomas. But what causes cervical cancer?
The following two are the main causes of cervical cancer:
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Research by the experts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection accounts for more than 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STD). There are several types of HPV. While some are not linked to cancer and are low-risk, there are about 14 high-risk HPV types that can cause 16 and 18 cervical cancers. Overall, the presence of HPV infection in the cervix is not so healthy, as there are no symptoms to indicate the development of cancer. A woman can get HPV from:
- skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
- vaginal, anal or oral sexual activity
- as well as by sharing sex toys
Taking birth control or birth control pills
Birth control pills are an effective method of preventing pregnancy. Such pills mainly change the hormones estrogen and progesterone by changing the hormone levels. Women who take birth control pills for more than five years are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Other risk factors are also included:
- Being sexually active before the age of 18 and having multiple sexual partners
- Having a family history of cervical cancer
- Active or passive smoking
- Being obese
Not all factors are associated with cervical cancer. However, some may be destined for cervical cancer.
What are the ways to treat cervical cancer?
Routine tests will ensure signs of cervical cancer are detected so that treatment can be started as early as possible. With a Pap smear or HPV test, healthcare professionals become confident and alert about early or advanced signs of cervical cancer. In addition to Pap and HPV tests, a woman should undergo a cervical biopsy and colposcopy to check for cancer cells.
Among cancer treatment options, doctors may advise:
- Surgery that would involve the removal of the cervix as well as the other pelvic organs. (Cryosurgery, laser, cauterization, pelvic exams, etc.)
- Radiotherapy is carried out using high-energy X-rays. It is produced inside the body in the uterus or vagina.
- Chemotherapy kills cancer cells in the body.
- With chemotherapy and radiation therapy, the growth of cervical cancer cells is prevented.
But unfortunately, after treatment, there can be a risk for those trying to have a baby.
But, what if there is cervical cancer during pregnancy?
It may be rare to be diagnosed with cancer during pregnancy, but it is not completely impossible. 1% to 3% of pregnancies are diagnosed with cervical cancer. In pregnancy, most of the signs of cervical cancer are discovered at an early stage. If the signs are detected at an early stage, the pregnant woman may have to wait before giving birth. However, for advanced stage cancer during pregnancy, hysterectomy or radiation therapy is medically necessary.
Treatments (chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy) do not harm the future baby in the first trimester. In the second trimester, however, the placenta forms a barrier to protect the baby. But in the third trimester, cancer treatments can indirectly harm the unborn baby.
However, health professionals will try to deliver the baby prematurely. So that the baby can survive outside the womb.
So women should take care of their cervical health before or during pregnancy by limiting sexual activity and having safe sex.
Care is essential before it is too late!
