Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the cervix, the narrow passageway that connects the uterus to the vagina. One in 150 women is expected to develop cervical cancer during her lifetime, and 1 in 423 will die of it, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Cervical cancer causes Almost all cervical cancers are caused by infection by high-risk HPV (human papillomavirus). About 70 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16 and 18; other types of the virus are linked to the other 30 percent of cervical cancers. Most sexually active people will have an HPV infection at some point during their lifetime, and in most cases, the infections go away on their own after a few months. But HPV that does not go away can lead to changes in the cervical cells, called dysplasia, that can develop into cancer. Women who do not regularly have a Pap smear to detect HPV or abnormal cells in the cervix are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Most women who develop the disease have not been screened in the three years prior to their diagnosis. Other possible risk factors include smoking and having many sexual partners. A vaccine is now available for girls and young women that protects against the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

Cervical cancer symptoms There are often no noticeable symptoms of early cervical cancer but it can be detected with a Pap smear test. Vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse and an unusual vaginal discharge are symptoms of cervical cancer, although these symptoms may also be caused by other conditions.

Cervical cancer diagnosis/tests If you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer, talk to your doctor who may do a pelvic examination and Pap smear. If the test shows that you have cancerous cells, you will undergo more tests  to diagnose cancer, including a cervical exam called a colposcopy, where the doctor uses a microscope to examine the cervix and may take small cell samples. A biopsy, called either a punch biopsy or a cone biopsy, which are different methods for removing cervical cell samples, may also be recommended.

Cervical cancer treatment Cervical cancer can usually be easily treated. Different types of treatment are available for patients with cervical cancer, depending on the size of the tumour, the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and whether or not she wants to have children.

• Surgery may be performed to remove the cancer. In some cases a hysterectomy is performed to remove the uterus and cervix.

• Radiation therapy may be recommended to keep the cancer cells from growing.

• Chemotherapy is a medication that may stop the growth of cancer and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.

Cervical cancer prevention Protecting yourself from HPV may reduce your risk of cervical cancer. To prevent HPV infection, avoid sex and/or use condoms and spermicide during sex. You may also want to consider getting an HPV vaccine which protects women who are not already infected with HPV. Do not smoke and talk to your doctor about your risk if you’re on the contraceptive pill long-term; both factors increase the risk of cervical cancer.

More info from Chatelaine
Lifesaver

Outside resources
Canadian Cancer Society