Cervical cancer, the leading cause of cancer death among women, is more commonly diagnosed in women aged between 35 and 44. 20% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged above 65 due to not receiving regular cancer screenings. It is rare for women below 20 years to develop cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that 14,480 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States in 2021, and 4290 women will die from it. The 5-year survival rate of this cancer is 66%, but it is 92% for women diagnosed at an early stage. Therefore, earlier diagnosis and treatment can help cure this cancer.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts in a woman’s cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when cells of the cervix multiply rapidly and abnormally. If left undetected or untreated, cervical cancer can be life-threatening.

The cervix consists of two parts, each covered with two kinds of cells:

• Endocervix: The cervix opening that leads into the uterus and is covered with glandular cells.
• Exocervix or ectocervix: The external component of the cervix that is covered in squamous cells.

The area of the cervix where these two cell types meet is known as the transformation zone. The position of the transformation zone changes with age and childbirth. Cervical cancers often start in this region.

Causes of Cervical Cancer in Females

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is the major cause of cervical cancer. Some strains of the virus cause normal cervical cells to become abnormal and cancerous.

Other cervical cancer-causing risk factors are:

• Smoking - Women who smoke have a 200% more chance of getting cervical cancer than others. Also, smoking weakens your immunity and makes the immune system less effective in combating HPV infections.
• Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES)- Women exposed to this drug when their mothers were pregnant are vulnerable to developing cervical cancer.
• Sexual History- Having sexual partners with HPV infection, many sexual partners, or intercourse at an early age can increase your risk.
• Chlamydia Infection-Chlamydia is a bacterial infection that spreads via sexual contact and infects the reproductive system. It may promote HPV growth, increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
• Multiple or Young Age Full-Term Pregnancies-Women with three or more full-term pregnancies or having their first full-term pregnancy before the age of 20 have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
• Family History -If anyone in your family had cervical cancer, your chances of cervical cancer might increase.
• Diet -A diet low in vegetables and fruits may increase your risk for cervical cancer.
• A Weakened Immune System-Women with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to HPV infection and subsequent cancer growth.
• Birth Control Pills -Several studies indicate that taking oral contraceptives for a long period increases your cervical cancer risk.

Signs of Cervical Cancer

Some symptoms appear with early-stage cervical cancer, but women may think these result from their menstrual cycle, a urinary tract infection, or a yeast infection.

Women with advanced-stage cervical cancer may experience these symptoms:

• Bleeding after douching, intercourse, or a pelvic examination
• Frequent or painful urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Blood spots or light bleeding between periods
• Unexplained, persistent pelvic pain
• Back pain might occur in case of advanced cervical cancer
• Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer, with a heavier flow than usual
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Bleeding after menopause

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

Your doctor may perform the following tests to diagnose cervical cancer:

Pap Test

Your doctor scrapes the outside and inside of the cervix to take sample cells. These are tested in a lab to detect abnormal or cancerous cells.

HPV Typing Test

If your Pap test results are abnormal, your doctor may perform an HPV test where the sample is taken similarly to a pap test. They will confirm the diagnosis upon finding any strains of HPV.

Colposcopy

This test is performed using a colposcope that magnifies the cervix and vagina cells to help doctors detect any abnormalities.

Bimanual Pelvic Examination and Sterile Speculum Examination

Your doctor will check for any unusual or abnormal changes in your ovaries, uterus, vagina (using a speculum to keep the vaginal walls open), cervix, and other nearby organs.

Biopsy

Your doctor removes a tissue sample from your cervix and analyzes it under the microscope for abnormalities.

Other types of biopsies include:

• Conization (a cone biopsy) and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)-To remove tissue to diagnose precancer or early-stage cancer.
• Endocervical curettage (ECC) - To check an area inside the opening of the cervix.

If your biopsy result is positive, your doctor may refer you to a gynecologist for further diagnostic tests, including:

• X-ray
• CT scan
• Pelvic examination under anesthesia
• MRI scan/li>
• PET scan
• Molecular testing of the tumor

If diagnosed in its earliest stages, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable types of cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer deaths have reduced considerably due to increased screening.

Contact Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates today for more information about cervical cancer.

Also Read: All About Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment