Spread a Word: Protect yourselves from Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month which is chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common cancer and also the leading cause of cancer mortality in women, both in India and abroad. It occurs in the lower part of the uterus, which is called as cervix. Overgrowth of abnormal cells in the cervix leads to cervical cancer. It is caused by a virus known as Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Not all HPV infections cause cervical cancer, some cause genital warts while some others show no symptoms at all. Most HPV infections resolve on their own, but sometimes they cause genital warts or lead to cervical cancer.

How do you know you can have Cervical Cancer-

• Abnormal bleeding from vagina between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse or after menopause
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Abnormal vaginal discharge
• Pain in pelvis/lower belly.

Chance increase if you are

• Into an early marriage
• a smoker
• Using hormonal contraceptives
• Having high number of pregnancies

 

Cervical cancer screening tests-

• Physical exam and history : An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
• Pelvic exam : An exam of the vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and rectum.
• Pap test: A procedure to collect cells from the surface of the cervix and vagina. A piece of cotton, a brush, or a small wooden stick is used to gently scrape cells from the cervix and vagina. The cells are viewed under a microscope to find out if they are abnormal.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) test : A laboratory test used to check DNA or RNA for certain types of HPV infection. Cells are collected from the cervix and DNA or RNA from the cells is checked to find out if an infection is caused by a type of HPV that is linked to cervical cancer. This test may be done using the sample of cells removed during a Pap test. This test may also be done if the results of a Pap test show certain abnormal cervical cells.
• Endocervical curettage : A procedure to collect cells or tissue from the cervical canal using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument). Tissue samples may be taken and checked under a microscope for signs of cancer. This procedure is sometimes done at the same time as a colposcopy.
• Colposcopy : A procedure in which a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument) is used to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. Tissue samples may be taken using a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) and checked under a microscope for signs of disease.
• Biopsy : If abnormal cells are found in a Pap test, the doctor may do a biopsy. A sample of tissue is cut from the cervix and viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. A biopsy that removes only a small amount of tissue is usually done in the doctor’s office. A woman may need to go to a hospital for a cervical cone biopsy (removal of a larger, cone-shaped sample of cervical tissue).

If you fall under 21-30 yrs age group, you should have PAP tests once in every 3 years

• If you fall under 30-65 yrs age group, you should have a combination of HPV and PAP test once in every 5 years
• If you are above 65 yrs, you do not need any PAP tests if you had 2 HPV+ PAP tests with normal results in a row

Screening tests are highly recommended for women who-

• Are above 35 years of age
• Have HPV infection
• Are married for more than 8 years
• Have an abnormal PAP smear

Cervical Cancer Treatment-

Treatment of cervical cancer varies according to the stage the individual is in. The affected person may need to undergo one or more treatments or a combination of the following treatments.

• Surgery- This involves surgical removal of uterus (hysterectomy) and removal of pelvic lymph nodes with or without removing ovaries and fallopian tubes. This can be avoided if cancer is found early.
• Chemotherapy - This involves using medications to kill cancerous cells. It is used to treat advanced stages of cervix cancer.
• Radiation therapy - This involves exposure to high dose X-rays or implants in vaginal cavity to kill cancerous cells. It is mostly used in combination with surgery.
• Chemoradiation - This involves the use of both chemotherapy and radiation to treat both early as well aslate stages of cervical cancer.

It is very important for women to get themselves checked regularly for the presence of cervical cancer. Getting tested in the above recommended time intervals can help to detect the disease at an early stage and thereby prevent cervical cancer. HPV vaccination is also highly recommended to avoid HPV infections, which can cause cervical cancer. Lets pledge on this Cervical Awareness month to increase public understanding of the disease, including its prevalence, approaches to screening and prevention, treatment options, and resources that offer updated cervical cancer information throughout the year.