Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer that begins in the cervix, which connects the uterus to the vagina. In most cases, it develops slowly over time. Many cervical cancers start as pre-cancer changes (abnormal cells on the cervix) that can be found early through screening and treated before they turn into cancer.

A major cause linked to cervical cancer is long-term infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is common, and most infections clear on their own, but some high-risk types can cause cell changes that may lead to cancer if not detected early.

Why cervical cancer matters

Cervical cancer can often be prevented or found early with:

• HPV vaccination
• Regular screening (Pap test and/or HPV test)
  Early detection usually means simpler treatment and better outcomes.

Common Symptoms

Early cervical cancer may not cause symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include:

Common symptoms

• Bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sex
• Bleeding after menopause
• Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, foul-smelling, or blood-stained)
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex

Symptoms that can appear in advanced stages

• Persistent pelvic or back pain
• Swelling in legs
• Difficulty passing urine or blood in urine (in some cases)
• Weight loss and severe tiredness

Risk Factors

Cervical cancer risk can increase with:

HPV and sexual health factors

• Long-term high-risk HPV infection
• Early sexual activity or multiple sexual partners (increases HPV exposure)
• A partner who has had multiple partners

Other health and lifestyle factors

• Smoking
• Weak immune system (for example, untreated HIV)
• Long-term use of certain contraceptives (risk can vary, doctor-guided)
• Not getting regular cervical screening
• Having multiple full-term pregnancies (in some cases)

Screening and Early Detection

Screening helps detect pre-cancer changes before cancer develops.

Common screening tests

• Pap test (Pap smear)
• HPV test
• Visual inspection methods in some settings (doctor-guided)

Diagnosis

If screening is abnormal or symptoms suggest a problem, doctors may advise:

Tests commonly used

• Pelvic examination
• Colposcopy (a closer look at the cervix with a special instrument)
• Biopsy (most important to confirm cancer)
• Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET-CT) to check spread and stage (if cancer is confirmed)

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage, tumor size, and overall health.

Early-stage cervical cancer

• Surgery to remove the cancer (type depends on stage)
• In some cases, fertility-sparing options may be considered (specialist decision)

Locally advanced cervical cancer

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy, along with radiation (often used together)

Advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy in selected cases
• Palliative/supportive care to improve comfort and quality of life

Supportive Care During Treatment

Many patients may need support for:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain control
• Infection prevention support (as advised)
• Nutrition and energy support
• Anemia or low blood counts (in selected cases)

Prevention

HPV vaccination

Helps protect against common high-risk HPV types and reduces cervical cancer risk.

Regular screening

Screening can detect changes early, often before cancer forms.

Safe practices

• Safer sex practices can lower HPV risk
• Avoid smoking, as it increases risk and affects healing

When to Seek Medical Help Quickly

Get medical help urgently if you have:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Severe pelvic pain with fever
• Weakness, dizziness, or fainting due to bleeding
• Rapidly worsening symptoms during treatment

Specialists to Consult

• Gynecologist
• Gynecologic oncologist (cervix cancer specialist)
• Radiation oncologist
• Medical oncologist

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