Cervical cancer happens when the cells in your cervix start to convert gradually into pre-cancerous cells. The main common cause of cervical cancer is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, to which we are exposed through sexual contact. One should always go for frequent screening to lower the risk of cervical cancer. There are no certain early signs of cervical cancer, frequent screening, like Pap smears, is important for cancer detection.
Some of the early signs to be familiar with are abnormal vaginal bleeding, atypical vaginal discharge, pelvic pain & pain during or after intercourse. However, when HPV infection enters our body, our body’s immune system fights and prevents the virus from doing any harm, but there is a small percentage of people in whom the infection stays inside for years, which gradually starts to convert cervical cells into cancerous cells.
Some Early Signs of Cervical Cancer in Females
There are usually almost no early signs of cervical cancer, here are some to be noted:
- Unusual Vaginal Bleeding: You will experience unusual vaginal bleeding after your menopause or before anytime, also you can experience pain and bleeding while urinating or extreme burning sensation afterwards, these could be some early signs of cervical cancer, however, it is advisable to maintain hygiene and take early precautions to prevent cervical cancer.
- Pain During Intercourse: Experiencing pain during intercourse or bleeding during intercourse is an early sign of cervical cancer.
- Pelvic Pain: Experiencing sudden pain in your pelvic region or pelvic pain during intercourse is considered to be an early sign of cervical cancer.
- Discharge: Thin Watery discharge or Thick Blood from the vagina with a foul smell is a sign of cervical cancer.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, which is a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI), but our body’s immune system fights the infection. If the body is not able to fight the infection, the cells in our cervix gradually turn into cancerous cells, which causes cervical cancer. Early detection of cervical cancer is highly curable, so we should always go for frequent screening and take necessary actions.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
- Sexual Background: Sexual Background matters as it makes a person more vulnerable to HPV infection, which leads to cervical cancer.
- Weak Immune System: Having a weak immune system increases your chance for cervical cancer because the body can’t fight the HPV infection with a Weakened Immune System.
- Use of Oral Contraceptives (Birth Control pills) for a Longer Time: Research suggests taking Oral Contraceptives for a longer period increases the risk for cervical cancer in women, and when stopped risk goes back to normal after some years.
- Not a Balanced Diet: One should always maintain a balanced diet and, most importantly, include fruits and vegetables in their diet, avoiding contaminated food.
Types of Cervical Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cells are detected in the outer layer of the cervix, which is found to be the most common cancer cell in cervical cancer.
- Adenocarcinoma: Adenocarcinoma is not a very common cell to be found in cervical cancer. It starts forming in the Cervix Gland.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer
Treatment for cervical Cancer depends upon factors such as:
- The Size of the cancerous cells
- The type of cervical cancer
- Overall health of the body
- Metastasis
The Treatment generally includes Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, & Surgery.
1. Surgery
The cervical cancer surgery can be done in early stages because the doctor can remove the affected cancerous tissue. The following types of Common Surgery are:
- Laser Surgery
- CryoSurgery
- Pelvic Exenteration
- Hysterectomy
- Trachelectomy
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy (Drugs) are administered through the mouth, enter the Bloodstream, and are very effective in killing cancerous cells that are spreading throughout the body. These drugs are used for cervical cancer:
- Cisplatin
- Fluorouracil
- Carboplatin
- Paclitaxel
- Topotecan
- Docetaxel
- Bevacizumab
3. Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy uses powerful X-rays to kill the cancerous cells in the body. Stage dependence is the main factor in deciding which radiation therapy to use, it may be a main part of the treatment or to treat cervical cancer that comes back after the treatment.
Cost of Cervical Cancer in India
Cervical cancer costs vary upon different factors like stage, size of the cells, and metastasis. The cost ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹15,00,000 on average in India, depending on the factors mentioned. Early stage may cost ₹50,000 – ₹2,00000 (excluding External charges). Radiation Therapy may range from ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000, while drug therapy may range from ₹30,000 – ₹90,000 & Surgery may range from ₹1,50,000 – ₹3,00,000.
Positive Outcome Rate of Cervical Cancer Treatment in India
The positive outcome rate of cervical cancer in India is approximately 51.7%, but it varies depending on different regions. Moreover, cervical cancer is completely curable if treated during the early stages. Overall, we can say early detection is the key for any disease to cure.
Prevention Tips for Cervical Cancer
- Safe Sex Practice
- Frequent Screening
- HPV Vaccination by 15 years of age
- Strong Immune System
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Reducing Smoking
Post-Recovery Care
- Taking adequate sleep
- Considering Diet Changes
- Daily Yoga/Stretch
- Seek Emotional Support
- Manage Pain
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a dangerous disease if proper vaccinations and precautions are not taken in time, regular screening is very important for the detection of cervical cancer as there are no certain symptoms that are noticeable. Involving safe sex practices and maintaining a strong immune system is a must.