Learn what cervical cancer is, its causes (HPV), stages, symptoms, and prevention—understand detection, treatment, and why early screening is vital.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina—and is almost always caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
🔬 Causes & Risk Factors
- HPV Infection: Nearly all cases linked to high-risk types (especially HPV 16 and 18) :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Other factors include smoking, HIV, early sexual activity, multiple partners, and long-term use of birth control pills :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
🩺 Symptoms by Stage
Early-stage cervical cancer often has no symptoms—highlighting the importance of screening :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}. Watch for:
- Bleeding between periods or after sex/menopause
- Unusual vaginal discharge or pelvic pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Advanced symptoms: frequent urination, leg swelling, back/pelvic pain, and rectal bleeding :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
📏 Cancer Stages
Cervical cancer is staged I–IV based on tumour size and spread:
- Stage I: Cancer confined to cervix.
- Stage II: Spread beyond cervix but not to pelvic wall.
- Stage III: Extends to pelvic wall/lower vagina or causes kidney issues.
- Stage IV: Spread to bladder, rectum, or distant organs :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
✔️ Diagnosis & Screening
Routine screening via Pap and HPV tests detects precancerous changes early :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Diagnosis may involve:
- Pelvic exam and Pap smear
- HPV testing
- Colposcopy and biopsy if needed :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
💊 Treatment Options
- Early-stage: Surgery (e.g., hysterectomy), possibly with radiotherapy or chemoradiation :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Locally advanced: Combined chemoradiation
- Advanced/metastatic: Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
🛡️ Prevention & Prognosis
- HPV vaccination (Gardasil 9, Cervarix) can prevent 70–90% of cases if administered before exposure :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Regular screening reduces incidence and mortality :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
- Early detection gives a ~90% 5‑year survival rate; overall ~67% in the U.S. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
📌 Bottom Line
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening. Early detection enables treatment with high success rates. Awareness of symptoms and risk factors is key to timely care.
📚 Learn More
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