Cervical cancer is cancer that develops in the cervix, which connects the lower part of a woman’s uterus to her vagina. Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide and the 2nd most common cancer in women in India.

99% of cervical cancer is linked to high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection. Most HPV infections resolve spontaneously but the persistence of HPV infection can lead to the development of pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions in the cervix. 

Usually, progression from a precancerous state to a cancerous state takes many years. This long interval allows acting at a precancerous state and prevents cervical cancer development.  

Symptoms of cervical cancer

In the early stages, cervical cancer usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Even if symptoms are present, they are non-specific and can be easily mistaken for other common conditions like UTIs (urinary tract infections) and menstrual periods. 

The most common symptoms of cervical cancer are unexpected and unusual bleeding which can occur between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse; pain in the pelvis, and abnormal vaginal discharge.

If you or anyone you know has recently noticed these symptoms, please get in touch with your doctor for a medical examination. 

Cervical cancer and early detection

Prevention strategies for cervical cancer can broadly be divided into Primary prevention and secondary prevention. 

Primary prevention focuses on avoiding or reducing exposure to a known carcinogen. As most cervical cancers are attributed to Human Papilloma Virus infection, HPV vaccination is a very effective strategy to prevent cervical cancer.

Secondary prevention focuses on tests that can detect either precancerous state or cancer in a very early stage. Most cases of cervical cancer begin with pre-cancerous changes and it takes years to develop cancerous changes. Pap smear and HPV DNA testing can detect pre-cancerous/cancerous changes and HPV infection respectively. These pre-cancerous changes can be effectively treated, preventing further cancer formation. Screen detected cancer are usually early-stage cancers that can be effectively treated before they spread to other parts of the body.

More than 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented with timely HPV vaccination and regular screening tests with Pap smear and HPV DNA testing. 

Detecting cervical pre-cancers

A Pap test (or Pap smear) or human papillomavirus (HPV) test are designed tests used to screen for cervical pre-cancers and cancers. Both tests are conducted in the same manner wherein a health professional gently scrapes or brushes the cervix with a special tool to extract cells for testing. 

HPV tests look for cervical infection caused by high-risk types of HPV that are known to cause pre-cancers and cancers of the cervix. 

Pap tests or HPV test results will determine an individual’s risk of developing cervical cancer. If the Pap smear test shows abnormalities or if the HPV test comes positive, the patient will be referred to a Gyneco-oncologist who might perform a procedure called Colposcopy to detect any precancerous lesion. If any pre-cancerous lesion is identified, treatment can be performed in the same sitting. If a cervical pre-cancer is detected, it can be treated immediately and kept from turning into full-blown cervical cancer.

HPV vaccine

HPV vaccines can help protect children and young adults against HPV infections, particularly against HPV infection types most commonly linked to cancer. However, you must understand this work is for preventing HPV infection, not for treating an infection. To be most effective, HPV vaccines need to be administered before a person is exposed to HPV to help prevent cervical pre-cancers and cancers.

WHO recommends 2 doses of HPV vaccination (0, 6-12 months) for persons who initiate vaccination at ages 9 through 14 years and 3 doses (0, 1-2, 6 months) for persons who initiate vaccination at ages 15 through 45 years, and for immunocompromised persons. 

If you have any questions regarding Cervical Cancer Prevention Vaccine, or Pap smear screening test, book an appointment with us and consult our cancer specialist today.

Also Read: Understanding Cervical Cancer Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment 

with Dr. Parveen Jain

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