Cervical cancer accounts for about 4% of all cancers found in women. Each year, about 15,000 women in the United States learn that they have this type of cancer.
Cancer of the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus, can occur at any age, but is found most often in women over the age of 40.
Cells on the surface of the cervix sometimes appear abnormal but are not cancerous. It is thought that these abnormal changes are the first step in a slow series of changes that can lead to cervical cancer many years later. That is, some abnormal changes are precancerous.
Causes
Certain risk factors have been identified that increase the chance
that cells in the cervix will become abnormal or cancerous. It is believed, in
many cases, that cervical cancer develops when two or more of these risk factors act
together:
Having a history of the sexually
transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many types of this virus. Some types
put women at greater risk than others. {Note: Not all women who
are infected with HPV develop cervical cancer, and the virus is not present in all women
who have this disease.}
Having had frequent sexual intercourse
before age 18
Having multiple sex partners. The greater
the number of partners, the greater the risk.
Having sex partners who:
Began having sexual intercourse at a young age
Have had many sexual partners
Were previously sexually active with a women who had cervical cancer
Having had a sex partner with HPV
Smoking
Being the daughter of a mother who took a
drug known as DES during pregnancy. This drug was used from about 1940 to 1970, mostly to
prevent miscarriage.
Having a weakened immune system due to such
things as:
Having human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Having taken drugs to prevent rejection with an organ transplant
Signs and Symptoms
Any abnormal pap test can be an early sign of cervical cancer. There are
often no symptoms, though, especially in the early stages. In very late stages the
symptoms include:
Vaginal bleeding or spotting
between periods
Bleeding after intercourse
Thick vaginal discharge that may have an
odor
Watery vaginal discharge
Pain in the pelvic area
The final stages can result in:
Anemia
Appetite and weight loss
Pain in the abdomen
Leakage of urine and feces through the
vagina
Detection
Early diagnosis of cervical cancer is important. If the cancer is found
early, most women can be cured. The best way to find it early is to have pap tests and
pelvic exams on a regular basis. These should start when a female begins having sex or is
over 18. Ask your doctor how often you should have pap tests and pelvic exams. His or her
advice will be based on your age, medical history, and your risk factors for cervical
cancer. Also ask your doctor about tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
especially if you or your sex partner have or have had multiple sex partners.
Pap tests are the initial screening tool for cervical cancer. During this test, the
doctor or nurse collects cells from the opening of the cervix and surfaces that surround
it. The pap test is then checked to see:
Whether or not the sample taken is adequate
If the cells are normal or abnormal
If there is an infection, inflammation, or
cancer
In addition to your pap test or if an abnormal pap test is found, your doctor may use a special magnifying instrument called a colposcope. This will allow your doctor to look for any abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix. If your doctor notices a suspicious area on your cervix during this procedure, he/she may choose to take a biopsy of the area. These small pieces of cervical tissue will give your doctor an accurate diagnosis of your problem.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the exact diagnosis. The precancerous form of
cervical cancer is known as dysplasia. This can be treated with laser, conization (removal
of a portion of the cervix), or cryotherapy (freezing). Surgery and/or radiation therapy
may be required for cervical cancer. Chemotherapy is used in late stages. Sometimes more
than one form of treatment is necessary. If the cervical cancer has not spread and a woman
wants to become pregnant in the future, a conization may be done. If a woman does not want
a future pregnancy, removal of the uterus may be chosen (a hysterectomy).
Do you have these problems? A leakage of urine and feces
through the vagina Pain in the abdomen Anemia (noted by paleness, weakness,
fatigue) Appetite and weight loss |
 |
| Do you have any or these problems? Constant vaginal bleeding Spotting between periods or bleeding after
intercourse Pelvic pain Thick or watery vaginal discharge |
|
| Do you have 2 or more risk factors for cervical cancer? (See
risk factors under Causes above.) And, have you not had a
pap test and pelvic exam for more than a year? |
|
Remember to schedule and have pap tests
and pelvic exams as often as your doctor suggests. Schedule these near your birthday to
help you remember that they need to be done.
Take measures to prevent getting HPV and
other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (see Self-Care/Prevention Tips under
"Trichomoniasis")
Avoid douching. If you do, don't do so more
than once a month.
Don't smoke.
Unless you are in a monogamous relationship
in which you and your partner are free of STDs, use a latex condom every time you have
sexual intercourse. Do this especially if your sex partner has a history of multiple sex
partners.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99