Cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. Its cancer is called as Cervical Cancer. Out of the various female organs, cancer cervix has the highest incidence in India followed by cancer breast One out of every five women in the world suffering from this disease belongs to India. In India deaths because of cancer cervix are practically equivalent to losing 8 women every hour.
Cervical cancer usually develops very slowly. It starts as a precancerous condition known as Dysplasia. It takes years to progress from dysplasia to CERVICAL CANCER. If detected at any phase of dysplasia proper treatment would prevent cancer.
Vague Symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods after intercourse, or after menopause. Persistent pale watery, pink, brown, bloody, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, abdominal pain & heavy periods are few of the symptoms that may indicate the probability of Cervical Cancer.
The cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus). HPV is a common virus that spreads through sexual intercourse. There are many different types of HPV. Some strains lead to cervical cancer.
A few strains cause Genital warts.
A woman’s sexual habits and patterns can increase her risk for cervical cancer. Having sex at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, or having partners won participate in high-risk sexual activities increases the risk of Cervical cancer. Low immune system, Poor hygiene and tobacco consumption also add a lot to the development of Cervical Cancer.
In some women, the cancer may be more or less silent but progressive, and hence, may spread to the nearby organs like urinary bladder, intestines, or distant areas like lungs, and liver. Only once it has spread than the involved organs start complaining by acute backache, bone pains or fractures, fatigue, leaking of urine or feces from the vagina , leg pain, loss of appetite, pelvic pain , single swollen leg or weight loss.
Cervical cancer is potentially preventable through screening and immunization. Screening is in the from of Pap smear tests and the more recently developed HPV DNA test. Cervical cancer vaccines are also available in India. These can be given from 10 years to 45 years of age after consulting a doctor. Even after getting the vaccination done, Even after getting the vaccination done, regular Pap smear screening should continue.
Pap smear test and HPV DNA tests are painless & very reliable. If Precancerous condition is detected, it is treatable. If Cancer is suspected or detected then Colposcopy ( Seeing under Magnification), Cone Biopsy, MRI, CT Scan, Chest X Ray, PET CT ( To establish the spread of Carcinoma) are the few tests help in deciding the course of treatment.
The success of the treatment lies in early detection, Proper diagnosis, Consistent treatment & Family support.
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