Cervical cancer starts in the cells of cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus connected to the vagina. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women, only next to breast cancer. It is one of the deadliest cancers in women. In India, cervical cancer affects rural women more than it does urban women.
Most cervical cancers are caused by different strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV virus usually transmits through sex. Many sexually active woman gets HPV infection at least once but prolonged infection may cause cancer.
When the body’s immune system identifies HPV, it prevents the virus from causing any harm. In a small percentage of women, this virus survives and stays for years, initiating the process that causes some normal cervical cells to become malignant ones.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Like many types of cancer, cervical cancer shows no symptoms in the earliest stages. Once the tumour starts growing or the disease becomes metastatic, it shows symptoms.
Early-stage cervical cancer has symptoms as follows:
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause, between periods or after intercourse
- Painful intercourse
- Watery, bloody, smelly, heavy vaginal discharge
After cervical cancer invades distant organs (in other words, it becomes metastatic), patients experience added symptoms, of which, unintentional weight loss is very common.
When to Visit an Oncologist?
If any of these symptoms persists or recurs, visit a gynaecologist. If anything is wrong, he/she will suggest that you should visit the best cancer hospital in Kolkata.
Causes
Cervical cancer happens when normal, healthy cells in cervix undergo the process of DNA mutations. Every cell has DNA that contains coded instructions for the cell what to do.
Healthy cells multiply at a normal rate and eventually die at a particular time. But when mutation happens, the cells grow uncontrollably. Another disturbing fact is they don’t die. The abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumour. Malignant cells attack the nearby healthy tissues and even break off from its original site to spread in distant parts of the body, which is called metastasis in oncology lexicon.
Scientists are still in doubt about what causes cancer. However, they are certain that HPV plays a big role in causing the disease. Many women with HPV infections don’t get the disease. It means there are other factors such as, lifestyle choices, environment, nutrition etc also have a role in this context.
Types of Cervical Cancer
There are two main types of cervical cancer. The type is an important factor to help an oncologist determine treatment and prognosis. These two types are:
Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Most cervical cancers involve squamous cells. These thin, flat squamous cells line the outside of cervix.
Adenocarcinoma: This type involves glandular cells. These column-shaped cells line the cervical canal.
Risk Factors
- Early sexual activity
- Many sexual partners
- Poor immunity system
- HPV and other sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS, syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia etc.
- Smoking
- Obesity
Prevention from Cervical Cancer
Take a nutrition-rich diet. Give up smoking (if you do), avoid alcohol and maintain a healthy weight. It is important to undergo routine PAP tests to find out malignancy or pre-malignancy as early as possible. Early diagnosis enhances the chance of prolonged survival and excellent quality of life. Also talk to your doctor about HPV vaccines which can eliminate the chance of having cervical cancer by 99.9%. Great news indeed!