Cervical cancer
Cervix is the part, which lies below the uterus. It connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. The place where these two parts meet is called transformation zone. Usually, in this zone some of the cells become cancerous and multiply abnormally without a known cause and spread deep into the cervix and other organs leading to cervical cancer. It is the third most commonly occurring cancer in women. The onset of the disease is usually above the age of 40 years. The disease can be easily detected through cytological studies called Pap smear.
Cervical cancer usually begins from the precancerous stages and takes several years to develop into cancer. If detected in this early stage, cervical cancer can be cured completely.
Occurence of Cervical Cancer in Different Groups
Epidemiological studies suggest that living styles of the population worldwide is related to the onset of cervical cancer.1 Epidemiological studies have shown that human papillomavirus (HPV) which is a sexually transmitted infection is an important etiological agent for cervical cancer.2 It is estimated that about 400,000–500,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed each year worldwide. Lifetime risk of being diagnosed with cervical cancer is 0.78%. Life time risk of dying from cervical cancer is 0.26%.3
The incidence of cervical cancer has decreased in developed countries due to awareness about Pap smear test screening. In developing countries, Pap smear test may not be available, due to which the women in developing countries undergo progression of the disease without getting detected.
Types of Cervical Cancer
Types of cervical cancer
Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer
The cervical cancer tumor grows by extending upward to the endometrial cavity and downward to the vagina and laterally to the pelvic walls. The tumor can also extend to the bladder and rectum directly. The first symptom observed is vaginal bleeding. The common
Causes and risk factors of cervical cancer
Causes and risk factors of cervical cancer
Diagnosis of cervical cancer
Diagnosis of cervical cancer
Diagnosis of cervical cancer is based on symptoms observed. A Pap smear test is the usual screening test done to detect the presence of cancer cells in the cervix.7 If cervical cancer is suspected, the physician may suggest few diagnostic tests to confirm like
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Treatment of cervical cancer
Based on the diagnosis and stage of the cancer, the physician may suggest a single therapy or combination of therapies. If cervical cancer is detected in the early stages, there are different surgical methods to cure it without
Complementary Therapies of Cervical Cancer
Complementary therapy may be considered along with the standard treatment modalities, but should not be substituted. Some of them like acupuncture, herbs, meditation, yoga, vitamins and nutritional supplements can be considered.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Early diagnosis helps in complete curing and managing. Cervical cancer sometimes cannot be prevented if the risk factors are high. The condition can be prevented or managed in the early stages by the following:
- Pap smear tests done at regular intervals if the physician suspects the presence of abnormal cells.
- Frequent pelvic examinations.
- Smoking cessation has been advised, as smoking is one of the major risk factors.
- Studies have shown that the vaccine Gardasil is a very effective against cervical cancer and genital warts.11
- Safety measures to be taken to prevent sexually transmitted diseases like HPV infection.12,13
- Women should limit their sexual partners.
- Leading a healthy lifestyle with healthy habits.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 13, 2011