Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of the human papillomavirus, also called HPV, play a role in causing most cervical cancers. HPV is a…

Overview

What is cervical cancer?

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How common is oral cancer?

Second most common cause of cancer in women
Over 127,000 cases and nearly 80, 000 deaths reported in India

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What causes oral cancer?

Most causes of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infections by HPV (a sexually transmitted infection)
Oral cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of the cells lining your mouth and all the areas listed above which causes them to multiply indefinitely

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Risk factors

Not getting regularly checked for HPV infection through a Pap test
Previous infection with HPV
Multiple sexual partners
Smoking
HIV infection
Weak immunity

Symptoms of oral cancer

Watery/bloody vaginal discharge
Vaginal bleeding after sex, between menstrual periods or after menopause.
Painful intercourse
Difficult or painful urination, sometimes with blood in your urine.
Diarrhoea, pain or bleeding from your rectum when pooping.
Fatigue, loss of weight and appetite.
A general feeling of illness.
Dull backache or swelling in your legs.
Pelvic/abdominal pain.

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Diagnosis

Blood tests
Taking a small sample of tissue from your cervix
Imaging tests like MRI and CT

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Treatment

Treatment depends upon the size and exact location of the cancer and whether it has spread to any other regions. Options include:

Surgery to remove the tumour
Chemotherapy (anti-cancer medicines)
Radiotherapy (high-energy rays to kill cancer cells)
Targeted therapy (medicine that attacks cancer cells specifically)
Immunotherapy (helps the body fight cancer)

Supportive Care

Helps with

Self-esteem and body image issues like scars and changes in body weight
Sexual problems
Fertility issues
Post-surgical care
Mental health worries

Treatment goal

Remove or destroy cancer cells
Prevent cancer from spreading
Reduce symptoms
Improve survival

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What are the side effects of treatment?

Higher risk of infection
Bleeding
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Fertility issues

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Lifestyle & Prevention

Recommended diet

Fruits and vegetables daily
Whole grains (brown rice, oats)
Lean proteins (fish, dal, legumes)
Limit fried, processed, and sugary foods
Reduce salt intake
Limit consumption of sugar

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Exercise tips

150-300 minutes of exercise/week
Don’t just sit in one place or keep lying down.
Being physically active can help you become stronger, decrease the risk of getting other types of cancers and also other conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

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Long-term care

Regular follow-up is important after treatment to:

Detect recurrence early
Manage long-term side effects
Monitor emotional health
Support sexual and reproductive health

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Prevention

Get vaccinated against HPV
Get regular screening tests like Pap test
Practice safe sex
Don’t smoke

When to contact a doctor?

Unusual vaginal bleeding
Bleeding after menopause
Persistent pelvic pain
Pain during intercourse
Unusual vaginal discharge

Myths and Facts

Myth

If you have HPV, you will probably get cervical cancer.

Fact

Having HPV does not mean you have or will get cervical cancer. Most women can be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, and for many, these will go away on their own without causing any problems.

Myth

If a woman gets the HPV vaccine, she no longer needs the Pap or HPV test.

Fact

Girls and women who get the HPV vaccine will still need to be tested with the Pap test and HPV test.

Myth

I can’t have children now that I’ve had cervical cancer.

Fact

Newer cervical cancer treatments may help some women preserve their ability to have children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the HPV vaccine safe?

Yes. HPV vaccines have been tested extensively and are considered safe and effective in preventing HPV-related cancers.

Do all women need cervical cancer screening?

Yes. Regular screening is recommended even if a woman feels healthy because early cervical changes may not cause symptoms.

Can cervical cancer affect pregnancy?

Yes. Cervical cancer and its treatment may affect pregnancy in some women. However, newer treatments may help some patients preserve their ability to have children. Patients should discuss fertility concerns with their doctor before starting treatment.