Understanding cervical cancer

Very often, women refrain from discussing their health issues in public, leaving many of the illnesses they face overlooked. Cervical cancer remains shrouded by a veil of misinformation and myths, making it even more difficult for women to access the truth about the condition and get medical help when required. Let’s take an in-depth look at what is cervical cancer, explore the symptoms and causes, and bust a few commonly believed myths.

Let’s start by better understanding the dreaded disease. Cancer refers to any abnormal cell growth in the body. Abnormal cell growth in the cervix, the lowest part of the uterus, is called cervical cancer. The cervix, composed of different types of cells, plays a crucial role in facilitating childbirth. Women over 30 generally have a higher risk of developing the disease. The cancer usually takes several years to develop and can lead to fatal consequences when left untreated. 

Cervical cancer can be difficult to detect since it doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms. Initially, women may not realise any difference. However, at a later stage, cervical cancer symptoms include lower back pain, pain in the pelvic area, unusual bleeding and discharge. In cases where the cancer has spread, women may experience swelling and pain in the legs. Additionally, general fatigue and unintended or unexplained weight loss could indicate cancer.

Certain high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) cause cervical cancer. HPV refers to a group of related viruses, some of which can lead to changes in the cervical cells, causing cancer. While HPV remains the primary cause, certain risk factors can also increase the likelihood of an individual developing cancer. Risk factors include:

• A weakened immune system
• Smoking and consumption of tobacco
• Long-term usage of oral contraceptives
• Sexual activity with multiple individuals
• Giving birth at a young age
• Having multiple pregnancies

Most people will get exposed to an HPV infection at least once. While several HPV infections last a short time and get cured, some infections last several years and eventually lead to the development of cancer.

Early detection is crucial to diagnose and treat cervical cancer. Doctors use a series of tests to detect and diagnose cancerous cell growth.

The Pap smear is a routine test during which doctors collect cells from the cervix to check for abnormalities. These cells are examined under a microscope to detect changes in cervical cells. Regular Pap smear tests play a critical role in early detection of cervical cancer. Ideally, women over 21 should get regular Pap tests. After a normal result, doctors may recommend waiting two or three years before the next test. Should doctors find signs of cancer growth during the Pap test, they will initiate an HPV test.

Most doctors complete the HPV test during a Pap smear. The test looks for the presence of high-risk HPV strains in cervical cells. 

When doctors detect abnormalities during Pap and HPV tests, they recommend a colposcopy. Doctors use a magnifying tool called a colposcope to examine the cervix during the test.

Doctors may carry out a biopsy if they identify suspicious growths during the colposcopy. They will remove a small tissue sample from the cervix during the colposcopy and send it to a laboratory for analysis. The test helps confirm the presence of cancer cells. It also determines the type and stage of cancer so doctors can determine the best course of treatment.

Doctors may recommend treatment options based on the stage of the cancer. Treatment options include:

• Cone biopsy
• Hysterectomy
• Radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

Dealing with cancer and receiving treatment can be overwhelming. Thankfully, by being proactive, women can take a few steps to minimise their risk of developing cervical cancer. Crucially, women can help prevent cancer by getting the HPV vaccine.

India’s recent interim budget mentioned a focus on vaccinating women in India against cervical cancer. After the announcement, many people wondered - what is the HPV vaccine? The HPV or cervical cancer vaccine helps immunise the body against high-risk strains of HPV, the leading cause of cervical cancer. Doctors recommend that individuals between 11 and 26 should get the HPV vaccines to help reduce their risk of developing cancer. The Serum Institute of India has recently released the first Indian-made vaccine for HPV. Currently, boys and girls between 9 and 26 can get the two doses. Although men cannot develop cervical cancer, they can contract HPV infections which could lead to penile and anal cancer.

Now that you have a better understanding of cervical cancer and how to prevent and detect it, let’s explore some common myths that people often believe.

Having HPV guarantees a cancer diagnosis

Not all HPV infections lead to cancer. Your immune system can tackle some strains of the virus without causing long-term complications.

You cannot prevent cervical cancer

Early screening and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cancer and detect precancerous cells for early interventions.

Cervical screenings are painful

Although uncomfortable, the Pap smear test barely takes a minute

Cancer survivors cannot have children

HPV infections can complicate a pregnancy, and cancer treatment can lead to infertility. However, doctors have now developed new treatment options to help preserve fertility.

Only those with a family history of cancer are at risk

While those with a genetic predisposition may be more likely to develop cancer, anybody can develop cervical cancer.

Understanding the risk factors and causes of cervical cancer empowers you to make informed decisions about your health. Apart from early screenings and the vaccine, women should also consider comprehensive health policies with critical illness coverage to help get the best possible treatment after a cancer diagnosis. At Zuno, we offer policies with high coverage limits, ensuring you can focus on treatment and recovery instead of rising medical costs. Visit the Zuno website today to identify the ideal health insurance plan for your needs.

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ARN: Zuno/Blog/Understanding cervical cancer/04/24/01.

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