Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common infection that can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer over time.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. About 90% of these cases and deaths occurred in low- and middle-income countries, where access to prevention, screening, and treatment is limited. Women living with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without HIV.
Prevention OF Cervical Cancer
The good news is that cervical cancer can be prevented and cured if detected early and treated promptly. There are effective interventions that can reduce the risk of cervical cancer at different stages of life. These include:
- Vaccination against HPV: This can protect girls and young women from the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14 years before they become sexually active. It can also be given to older girls and women who have not been vaccinated before, up to age 26.
- Screening and treatment of precancerous lesions: This can detect and treat abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix before they become cancerous. There are different screening methods, such as Pap smear, HPV DNA test, or visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). Screening is recommended for women aged 30 to 49 years, every three to five years, depending on the method used. If screening results show pre-cancerous lesions, they can be treated with simple procedures, such as cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).
- Diagnosis and treatment of invasive cervical cancer: This can improve the chances of survival and quality of life for women with cervical cancer. The treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can increase the cure rate and reduce complications.
- Palliative care: This can provide relief from pain and other symptoms for women with advanced cervical cancer. It can also address the emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and their families.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease if it is addressed effectively at all levels of prevention and care. By raising awareness, increasing vaccination coverage, expanding screening and treatment services, and improving access to quality care, we can eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem.
Sources
World Health Organization (WHO). Cervical cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
Mayo Clinic. Cervical cancer - Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352501