WHY CERVICAL CANCER OCCURS

CERVICAL CANCER: AN OVERVIEW

Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cervix, a narrow passage connecting the uterus to the vagina. Mostly, it starts as precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix, which are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). These changes can progress to cervical cancer if left untreated. In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

HPV INFECTION AND THE LINK TO CERVICAL CANCER

HPV, the most common STI globally, is a group of viruses that can infect the skin and moist membranes of the body. Different types of HPV cause different health problems, such as warts and cervical cancer. A persistent infection with certain high-risk types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. These high-risk types of HPV include HPV16 and HPV18, which are responsible for about 70% of cervical cancer cases. HPV is usually transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Risk Factors for HPV Infection:

• Early age at first sexual intercourse
• Multiple sexual partners
• Weakened immune system
• Smoking
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• A family history of cervical cancer

PROGESSION OF HPV-INDUCED CERVICAL CANCER

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes are initially mild, but they can progress over time to more severe changes, eventually leading to cervical cancer. The progression from normal cells to cervical cancer typically involves several stages, including:

Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN):

• CIN1 (mild dysplasia): Mild changes in the appearance of cells
• CIN2 (moderate dysplasia): More severe changes in cell appearance
• CIN3 (severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ): Precancerous changes in cells

Invasive Cervical Cancer:

• Stage I: Cancer is confined to the cervix
• Stage II: Cancer spreads beyond the cervix to nearby tissues and organs
• Stage III: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or the lower part of the vagina
• Stage IV: Cancer spreads to distant organs, such as the lungs or liver

PREVENTION OF CERVICAL CANCER

HPV Vaccination:

• HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection with the HPV types that cause most cervical cancer cases.
• These vaccines are recommended for both girls and boys starting at age 11 or 12.

Regular Cervical Cancer Screening:

• Pap smear and HPV tests are used to detect precancerous changes and cervical cancer at an early stage when treatment is most effective.
• Women should start regular screening at age 21 and continue until age 65.

Safe Sex Practices:

• Limiting the number of sexual partners
• Using condoms during sexual intercourse
• Avoiding sex with people who have multiple sexual partners

CONCLUSION

Cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease, but it remains a major public health concern in many parts of the world. Widespread HPV vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening, and safe sex practices can significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

In the early stages, cervical cancer often does not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include vaginal bleeding after sex, between periods, or after menopause, pelvic pain, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, and unexplained weight loss.

2. Is cervical cancer curable?

Cervical cancer is curable if it is detected and treated at an early stage. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

3. How can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?

You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by getting vaccinated against HPV, having regular cervical cancer screenings, using condoms during sex, limiting the number of sexual partners, and avoiding sex with people who have multiple sexual partners.

4. What is the survival rate for cervical cancer?

The survival rate for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and the type of treatment received. The 5-year survival rate for women with localized cervical cancer is over 90%, while the 5-year survival rate for women with advanced cervical cancer is about 15%.

5. Is cervical cancer contagious?

Cervical cancer itself is not contagious, but HPV, the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer, is contagious and can be transmitted through sexual contact.