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Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cervical cancers are caused by long-term infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus spread through sexual contact.
Cervical cancer often has no symptoms in early stages. As it progresses, symptoms may include:
Always see a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms.
Staging helps guide treatment planning.
Treatment depends on the stage, overall health, and if fertility preservation is desired:
Surgery
Radiation Therapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted Therapy
Immunotherapy
Boosting public awareness, access to information and services are key to prevention and control across the life course.
Early detection through regular screening saves lives.
All countries have made a commitment to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem. The WHO Global strategy defines elimination as reducing the number of new cases annually to 4 or fewer per 100 000 women and sets three targets to be achieved by the year 2030 to put all countries on the pathway to elimination in the coming decades:
Modelling estimates that a cumulative 74 million new cases of cervical cancer can be averted, and 62 million deaths can be avoided by 2120 by reaching this elimination goal. Explore the cervical cancer knowledge repository for resources from WHO, UN agencies and other partners: Cervical cancer elimination initiative.
Cervical cancer is diagnosed using a colposcopy to closely examine the cervix, often followed by a biopsy to take cell samples for laboratory analysis. A Pap test, which collects cells from the cervix, can detect abnormal cells. Other tests like imaging scans (CT, MRI, or PET-CT) are used to determine the extent of the cancer and its stage.
Pap Test (Cervical Screening): This is often the first step, where cells are collected from the cervix and examined for abnormalities.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is most common in the age group of 30 to 34 years old in the UK, though it is most frequently diagnosed in women aged 35 to 44 in the US. Incidence rates rise sharply after age 15–19, peaking around this time before generally declining, though rates are increasing in younger adults in some areas.
No, cervical cancer is not considered a hereditary or directly inherited cancer, as it is primarily caused by persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. While a family history of cervical cancer may be a risk factor, it's more likely due to shared environmental or lifestyle risk factors rather than a specific inherited gene. However, very rare genetic factors, such as a damaged DICER1 gene or inherited factors influencing immune response, might indirectly increase the risk of developing certain types of cervical cancer by affecting susceptibility to HPV.
Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by an infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get HPV from: any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area. vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Cervical cancer most commonly spreads first to nearby lymph nodes in the pelvis before spreading further to distant organs like the lungs, liver, or bones. Cancer can also spread to nearby pelvic organs such as the bladder or rectum.
Yes, cervical cancer can cause pain in the lower back, between the hip bones (pelvic area), or in the lower tummy (abdomen), and also pain during or after sex, especially as it progresses. However, early-stage cervical cancer often has no symptoms, and pain can also be a sign of other, less serious conditions, so it's crucial to see a doctor for any persistent or unexplained pain.
Yes, cervical cancer can be cured, particularly if caught and treated in its early stages through treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Early detection is crucial for a successful outcome and improved quality of life, which is why screening and HPV vaccination are so important. For more advanced cases, the goals of treatment shift to controlling the disease and managing symptoms, though in some cases, a cure is still possible.
You can search your Cervical Cancer Specialist / Gynae-Oncologist on www.ioncosolutions.com