It is one of the biggest causes of premature death in women but very early detection and treatment will cure cervical cancer and save lives. Cervical cancer affects the cervix, the opening of the womb or uterus. It develops in a series of pre-cancerous stages and these stages can be detected by a cervical smear test.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The exact cause of cervical cancer is unknown but it is likely to be a combination of factors; however one known causal agent is an infection with the human papiloma virus (HPV). This virus also causes genital warts, penile and anal cancer in men. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact and although the risk is very small the contraceptive pill can contribute to cancer of the cervix. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer. Unfortunately the number of women who contract HPV infection and die from cervical cancer continues to rise.
Cervical Smear Test
There is a simple, quick and painless test to detect the presence of cancer in the cervix and the majority of cervical cancer cases are discovered by the test. The cervical smear test is an established and reliable method of determining the risk or presence of cervical cancer.
All sexually active women between the ages of 20-64 should have an annual cervical smear or a PAP test. However, women who are over 64 years and who have had negative tests over a ten-year period need not continue to have a smear test. The test is easily performed using a special spatula or brush to remove some surface cells which are then analysed.
The test detects early changes in the cervical cells if any abnormalities have been seen on the first test a repeat test is performed to confirm the result and to check on further changes.
Alternatively the doctor may wish to perform a colposcopy, which uses a microscope to directly view the cervix and its cells. A biopsy can be taken through this method also.
Signs of Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal bleeding between periods and after sex
- A smelly vaginal discharge
- Discomfort or pain during intercourse.
The Post-menopausal Female
Post menopausal women may have episodes of bleeding or spotting. As there are other conditions that produce these symptoms it is important not to be embarrassed to visit a doctor to discuss symptoms and concerns. The sooner a doctor is consulted the sooner the diagnosis is made and the better the outcome of the treatment.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
HPV infection and its potentially devastating consequences can be completely avoided by the simple expedient of HPV vaccination. There are two types of vaccines available - one that prevents cervical cancer only and the other has a wider range of activity preventing genital warts, anal, vulva and vaginal cancers too.
Both vaccines should be given in three doses over six months and administered between the ages of 11 and 12 before girls become sexually active. Although females between the ages of 13 and 26 who have not been vaccinated or have not previously completed the course will benefit from vaccination.
Sexually active females may already have been exposed to several types of HPV so may not benefit from vaccination. The US’s Center for Disease Control has confirmed that the vaccine is safe and does not carry any risks of say, mental illness or handicap.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that HPV infection is linked to strokes and heart attacks in women. So HPV vaccination may protect women from these potentially fatal conditions (abstract here).
Boys and men too may benefit from vaccination with an anti-HPV vaccine because it prevents both anal cancer and genital warts. Males should receive three doses over six months between the ages of nine and 26-years.
Treatment of Established Cervical Cancer
Treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer. But they all aim to destroy the cancer cells, through the use of lasers, cryotherapy or freezing, cone biopsy, or a hysterectomy. If the cancer has become invasive then chemotherapy and radiotherapy may be offered.
Regular smear tests will detect cancer-type changes before they it can develop further. Well-timed intervention will reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and offer early diagnosis and a complete cure.
John Howe - John Howe is a qualified nurse, lecturer and journalist, he has written extensively on health, travel and lifestyle in Asia and Europe.
