By Dr. Suchitra. R, Consultant – Gynaec. Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore
Cancer is known to be the major cause of deaths worldwide and cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women globally, along with oral cancer and breast cancer.
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumour in the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrower end of the uterus that contacts the upper vagina. It occurs more commonly in women above the age of 30.
India alone forms one-fourth of the global cervical cancer population. In 2020, India saw about 1.04 lakh cases of the disease. Cervical cancer accounts for 17% of cancer deaths among women between the age of 30 and 69 years and is estimated to occur in about 1 in 53 Indian women during their lifetime as compared to 1 in 100 women in more developed regions of the world. Hence, every woman in India is at the risk of cervical cancer.
If abnormal cells in the cervix are not found and treated in time, it turns into cervical cancer. However, it is to be noted that this is also the most preventable types of cancer. Awareness of the signs and symptoms can help and take appropriate actions to nip in the bud.
There are not many symptoms of this disease but bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you is a red flag to keep an eye out for. Hence, the best way to know is by consulting a doctor and undergo the recommended screening for cervical cancer.
The prime cause of this disease is a long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. It also has a tendency of causing genital warts. The HPV has around a hundred subtypes. Of these, at least fourteen are cancer-causing and two are the root cause of seventy per cent of cervical cancer cases. But HPV is quite common and known to affect most people at some point in their lives. While for most women it may go away naturally, some cannot get rid of it as easily and there are high chances of that leading to cervical cancer. HPV does not show any symptoms, thus, the best way to know is by going for periodic check ups with the doctor.
Other than this, contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, also makes the person vulnerable to the disease.
Some habits that increase the risk of cervical cancer are smoking and having several sexual partners. Women who have given birth to three or more children are also prone to this illness.
There are two types of screening tests that can help detect and prevent cervical cancer at an early stage – the Pap test and the HPV test.
The Pap test examines for precancers or cell changes in the cervix that have the potential to become cervical cancer if not given timely and appropriate treatment. The HPV test looks for the prevalence of the virus that may cause cell changes. Both these tests can be done at a doctor’s clinic. If detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable with chances of long survival and good quality of life.
When to get screened?
The ideal age to start getting Pap tests is 21. If the results are normal, you can wait up to three years to get screened again.
For women between the ages 30 – 65, it is recommended to discuss with the doctor about which test is apt for you – a Pap test, HPV test, or co-testing (combination of both). If results for the latter two tests are normal, you can wait for five years until the next screening. Above the age of 65, you need not be screened anymore under two circumstances – if you results have been normal for several years, or if you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
When test results show cells that are normal are have the tendency of becomes cancerous, the doctor recommends the right treatment. In most cases, treating early has prevented the malignant cells from spreading further.
Cervical cancer has become an important area of action due to heavy burden of disease and the potential to prevent it by detecting early through screening. A January is the month of cervical cancer awareness, it is imperative for adolescents to be aware of the risk factors of cervical cancer and healthy life practices. It is highly essential for women above the age of 30 to get screened regularly as it is quite economical and easily detects abnormal pre-cancerous lesions.
Cervical cancer a highly curable form of cancer. It can be detected and treated with access to high quality care, periodic screening tests and regular follow-ups. But prevention is always better than cure. Since the prime cause in majority of the cases is HPV, a preventive HPV vaccination helps cure this illness to a great extent. A three-dose schedule is recommended for women aged 9 through 25 years.
