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?
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 common infection that's passed through sexual contact.
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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
If you have HPV, you will probably get cervical cancer.
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.
If a woman gets the HPV vaccine, she no longer needs the Pap or HPV test.
Girls and women who get the HPV vaccine will still need to be tested with the Pap test and HPV test.
I can’t have children now that I’ve had cervical cancer.
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.
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