January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. While efforts to curb this silent killer should be year-round, awareness campaigns are ramped up this month.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally with an estimated 604 000 new cases and 342 000 deaths in 2020, according to World Health Organization (WHO). In the U.S., approximately 13, 960 women are projected to receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer in 2023 and 4,310 are estimated to die from the disease, per data from National Cancer Institute (NCI).
In This Article: (4 min read)
- What is Cervical Cancer and Risk Factors
- What Are the Symptoms and How it is diagnosed
- Prevention through Screening & HPV vaccines
What is Cervical Cancer?
🩹Cervical cancer (CC) is cancer that originates in the cells of the cervix.
🩹The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb).
🩹The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal).
🩹Cervical cancer is almost entirely caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
🩹HPV spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, such as through sexual intercourse, contact between hands and genitals, and oral sex.
🩹HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
Factors that increase the risk of both HPV infection and cervical cancer are early initiation of sexual activity, having multiple sexual partners, high parity (number of pregnancies), smoking, herpes simplex virus infection, HIV infection, co-infection with other genital infections, and the use of oral contraceptives.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
In the initial stages, individuals with cervical cancer typically do not display noticeable symptoms. Hence cervical cancer is described as a silent killer. It typically develops slowly over time. Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread.
Early symptoms are as follows:
- Bleeding from the vagina after sexual intercourse.
- Bleeding from the vagina after menopause.
- Bleeding from the vagina that occurs between menstrual periods. Heavier or prolonged periods.
- Watery vaginal discharge with a distinct odor or containing blood.
- Pain during sex or discomfort in the pelvic region.
It is important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well. The only way to know if it is cervical cancer is to see a health care provider. Keep in mind that if it is cervical cancer, ignoring symptoms can delay treatment and make it less effective.
How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?
Colposcopy is the preferred diagnostic procedure for Cervical Cancer. Colposcopy usually includes biopsy.
Colposcopy is a procedure in which the health care provider inserts a speculum to gently open the vagina and view the cervix with a colposcope.
A biopsy involves removing a tissue sample from the cervix, allowing a pathologist to examine it under a microscope to detect potential signs of cancer.
Prior to that, your doctor may ask some questions to gauge your risk like personal and family medical history, as well as physical exam which includes a pelvic and rectovaginal exam.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer is prevented through screening. Screening means looking for signs of a disease before symptoms develop. Regular cervical cancer screening is a crucial component of routine health care for individuals with a cervix.
The following is the updated screening guideline by the American Cancer Society (ACS):
Age 21‒24:
- No screening
Age 25‒29
- HPV test every 5 years (preferred)
- HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable)
- Pap test every 3 years (acceptable)
Age 30‒65
- HPV test every 5 years (preferred)
- HPV/Pap cotest every 5 years (acceptable)
- Pap test every 3 years (acceptable)
Age 65 and older
- No screening if a series of prior tests were normal
A Pap test (Pap smear) examines for abnormal cells that may contribute to cervical cancer. HPV test detects the human papillomavirus. An HPV/Pap cotest involves both an HPV test and a Pap test performed concurrently.
Talk to your doctor or contact a clinic or health department near you about getting screened for Cervical Cancer.
HPV Vaccines
Vaccines are another primary way to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Vaccination against HPV is recommended for individuals aged 11–12, with the option to start as early as 9 years old. This preventive measure is crucial for preteens, providing protection against HPV infections that may lead to cancer in adulthood.
Additionally, teenagers and young adults up to the age of 26 who haven’t initiated or completed the HPV vaccine series should also seek vaccination. CDC recommends that 11- to 12-year-olds receive two doses of HPV vaccine 6 to 12 months apart.
Bottom Line
Cervical cancer, a silent killer, requires our collective attention, understanding, and proactive efforts. It is through knowledge and understanding that we empower ourselves and others.
Awareness, prevention, and support are vital components of our shared responsibility in the fight against cervical cancer. By spreading knowledge, encouraging regular screenings, and fostering an environment of support, we contribute to a healthier future for all.
