Discover the causes, symptoms, and prevention of cervical cancer. Learn about screening methods, treatment options, and how to protect yourself for a healthier future. Empower yourself with knowledge.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020. The vast majority of cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.1
HPV is a very common virus, and most people will get it at some point in their lives. However, most people’s immune systems are able to clear the virus naturally. In some cases, however, HPV can persist and cause changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to cancer.
Cervical cancer is usually a slow-growing cancer, and it can take many years for it to develop from pre-cancerous changes to invasive cancer. This means that there is usually plenty of time to detect and treat cervical cancer before it becomes a serious problem.
Learn the Signs and Causes of Cervical Cancer
The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause. Other symptoms can include:
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Unusual vaginal discharge
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
The main cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that is spread through skin-to-skin contact. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and some types are more likely to cause cancer than others. HPV 16 and HPV 18 are the two types of HPV that are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:
- Having multiple sexual partners
- Having sex at a young age
- Having a weakened immune system
- Smoking
- Using oral contraceptives for a long time
Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.2
Surgery is the most common treatment for cervical cancer. The type of surgery that is performed will depend on the stage of the cancer. In some cases, a simple hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be sufficient. In other cases, a more radical surgery, such as a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, and surrounding tissues) may be necessary.
Radiation therapy is another common treatment for cervical cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given externally, using a machine that directs radiation at the cancer, or internally, using radioactive implants that are placed inside the body.
Learn More About Cervical Cancer
There are many resources available to learn more about cervical cancer. Some reputable sources include:
- The American Cancer Society
- The National Cancer Institute
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The World Health Organization