Cervical cancer is a concerning diagnosis for any woman. Finding out you may have this disease can be scary and overwhelming. You may be wondering what cervical cancer is, what the symptoms are, and what your treatment options might be. This article will provide quick answers to common questions about cervical cancer to help you understand more about this condition.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the cervix grow out of control. The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Cervical cancer most often starts with cell changes that occur over time, eventually turning into cancer. In some cases, it can take several years for these cell changes to turn into true cancer.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening tests called Pap tests, which detect precancerous cell changes. If caught early, these abnormal cells can be removed before turning into cancer. Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also help prevent cervical cancer, as HPV causes nearly all cases.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Early cervical cancers often cause no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows larger or spreads, women may notice these common signs:
– Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
– Unusual vaginal discharge with a foul odor
– Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
– Increased urinary frequency or pain with urination
Bleeding after sex and unexplained weight loss can also signal cervical cancer. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away for evaluation. Don’t assume abnormal bleeding or discharge is just a minor problem.
What causes cervical cancer?
The vast majority of cervical cancers are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection that usually causes no problems. But in some individuals, HPV stays in the body and leads to cellular changes in the cervix years later.
Not all types of HPV lead to cancer. Types 16 and 18 are high-risk strains responsible for 70% of cervical cancers. Other risk factors include:
– Smoking
– HIV infection
– Chlamydia infection
– Family history of cervical cancer
– Multiple sexual partners
– Early sexual activity (before age 16)
– Multiple pregnancies (increases hormone exposure)
– Oral contraceptive use for over 5 years
– Diet low in fruits and vegetables
But by far, HPV infection is the biggest risk factor. HPV vaccines protect against cancer-causing HPV types and are recommended for all preteens aged 11-12.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Cervical cancer screening through Pap tests can detect abnormal cell changes before they become cancer. Annual Pap tests are recommended for women 21-65. Testing can end at 65 for women with a history of normal Pap results.
If you have symptoms or an abnormal Pap result, your doctor will perform further tests to check for cancer, such as:
– Colposcopy – Using a special magnifying device to examine the cervix
– Biopsy – Removing cervical tissue for microscopic examination
– Endocervical curettage – Scraping cervical canal tissue for examination
– Conization – Removing a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue to check for cancer spread
If tests confirm a cervical cancer diagnosis, your doctor will order imaging tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans to determine the cancer stage. Knowing the stage helps guide treatment recommendations.
What are the stages of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer has these four stages:
Stage 1: Cancer is only in the cervix
Stage 2: Cancer spreads beyond the cervix to the upper vagina or tissue around the cervix
Stage 3: Cancer spreads to the lower vagina or pelvic walls and may block the ureters (tubes that carry urine from kidneys to bladder)
Stage 4: Cancer spreads beyond the pelvis to other body organs like lungs, liver or bones
The stage reflects how far the cancer has spread. Early stage 1 cancers have the best prognosis and are most curable. Later stage 4 is more advanced and harder to treat.
How is cervical cancer treated?
Treatment options for cervical cancer include:
– Surgery: Early stage cancers can be removed through hysterectomy (removing the uterus and cervix) or radical trachelectomy (removing the cervix only). Nearby lymph nodes may also be removed.
– Radiation therapy: High energy x-rays kill cancer cells. This can be used alone or with chemotherapy.
– Chemotherapy: Drugs like cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel and topotecan treat cervical cancer systemically.
– Targeted therapy: Drugs like bevacizumab and pembrolizumab block cancer growth and spread.
– Immunotherapy: Drugs stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells.
The stage of cancer guides which treatments are recommended. Early cancers can often be treated with surgery alone or surgery plus radiation. More advanced cancers usually need radiation plus chemotherapy (chemoradiation). Recurrent cancer may be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or clinical trials of newer therapies.
What is the survival rate for cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer survival rates depend on the stage:
– Stage 1: 80-90% survive at least 5 years
– Stage 2: 60-75% survive at least 5 years
– Stage 3: 30-40% survive at least 5 years
– Stage 4: 15-20% survive at least 5 years
Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate for all stages of cervical cancer is about 65%. Survival is much higher when diagnosed at an early stage before spreading occurs. Regular Pap screening to catch precancerous changes is crucial for good outcomes. HPV vaccination also helps prevent cervical cancer.
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes! Preventing cervical cancer relies on:
– HPV vaccination: Getting the HPV vaccine at age 11-12 prevents infection with cancer-causing HPV types 16 and 18. The vaccine is recommended for boys and girls in this age group and catch-up vaccination until age 26.
– Pap testing: Routine Pap tests between ages 21-65 look for precancerous cell changes. Finding and removing abnormal tissue prevents progression to true cancer.
– HPV testing: Women 30-65 can get tested for high-risk HPV types and have longer testing intervals if negative.
– Not smoking: Smoking increases cervical cancer risk, so quitting smoking helps.
– Safe sex: Using condoms reduces HPV exposure that leads to cervical cell changes. Limiting sexual partners also helps.
– Healthy diet: Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables supports overall health.
Following screening and prevention guidelines provides the best protection against cervical cancer.
What happens if cervical cancer returns after treatment?
Cervical cancer that comes back after initial treatment is called recurrent or persistent cancer. This happens most often within the first 2 years after finishing treatment.
If cervical cancer does return, it doesn’t necessarily mean stage 4 cancer. The recurrent cancer is restaged based on exam and imaging findings. Treatment will depend on where the cancer returns, previous treatments received, and the woman’s overall health. Options may include:
– Additional surgery
– Radiation therapy (if not already received)
– Chemotherapy with different drug combinations
– Immunotherapy or targeted drugs through clinical trials
– Palliative treatments for symptom relief if cancer cannot be cured
Let your doctor know if you experience any concerning symptoms after cervical cancer treatment, as prompt evaluation is important. Supportive care services can also help manage the effects of recurrent disease.
What are the side effects of cervical cancer treatment?
Cervical cancer treatments can cause short and long-term side effects:
Surgery risks include:
– Infection
– Bleeding
– Damage to organs near the cervix
– Early menopause if ovaries removed
– Narrowing of the vagina
Radiation therapy side effects:
– Fatigue
– Nausea/vomiting
– Bowel problems like diarrhea, urgency, cramping or bleeding
– Bladder irritation
– Vaginal dryness, itching, burning
Chemotherapy side effects:
– Nausea/vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– Hair loss
– Fatigue
– Increased risk of infection (from low white blood cell counts)
– Easy bruising or bleeding (from low platelet counts)
Discuss any side effects or concerns with your cancer care team. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. There are many ways to prevent and manage treatment side effects.
What happens after finishing cervical cancer treatment?
Regular follow-up is important after completing cervical cancer treatment. Your doctor will outline a post-treatment monitoring schedule, which often includes:
– Physical exams every 3-6 months for several years
– Pap tests if cervix remains
– HPV testing if appropriate
– Imaging tests periodically to watch for recurrence
Report any new symptoms, such as pain, discharge, or bleeding to your doctor promptly. Follow recommended screening guidelines for breast, colon, and other cancers. Get any imaging or lab tests as directed.
It’s also important to focus on overall wellness – eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, and quit smoking. Joining a support group can help you transition back to everyday life. Be proud of yourself for getting through treatment!
What support services are available for cervical cancer?
Receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Many support services are available, including:
– Counseling: Oncology social workers provide individual and family counseling. Therapists can help with coping strategies.
– Support groups: In-person and online communities allow you to connect with other women facing cervical cancer.
– Transportation help: Organizations provide rides to treatments for patients in need.
– Meals assistance: Charities deliver healthy meals to those undergoing cancer treatment.
– Financial aid: Groups offer financial grants and co-pay assistance for those struggling with cancer costs.
– Fertility preservation: Counseling and financial aid is available for women interested in preserving eggs or embryos prior to treatment.
Don’t be afraid to ask your care team about the support services offered through your treatment center and cancer organizations in your community.
What key takeaways should women know about cervical cancer?
– Get regular Pap tests to catch precancerous changes early when most curable.
– HPV vaccines help prevent cervical cancer – get kids vaccinated on schedule.
– See your doctor about any abnormal bleeding, discharge, or pelvic pain.
– Quit smoking and eat a healthy diet to reduce cervical cancer risk.
– Early stage cervical cancer is highly treatable. Listen to your doctor’s treatment recommendations.
– Support services and groups can help you get through diagnosis and treatment. You are not alone!
– Stay on top of follow-up care after finishing treatment to catch any recurrence early.
Arm yourself with knowledge about cervical cancer – prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Share this information with the women in your life. There is hope, even with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Many women go on to thrive in cancer survivorship!
Conclusion
A diagnosis of cervical cancer can certainly feel scary and overwhelming. But knowledge is power. Understanding the symptoms, screening tests, risk factors, treatment options, and follow-up care empowers you to be an active participant in your cancer care. Catching cervical cancer early, before it spreads, greatly improves the chances for successful treatment. Prevention is also key, through HPV vaccination, Pap tests, and not smoking. If faced with cervical cancer, know that more women than ever before are beating this disease and living full lives as survivors. Stay hopeful and utilize all the support services available to get you through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond.