What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix: the low, narrow neck of the uterus that opens in the vagina.¹

What causes cervical cancer?

Unlike some other cancers, cervical cancer is not considered to be hereditary. Most cervical cancer is caused by a virus called Human Papillomavirus, or HPV. You can get HPV by having skin or sexual contact with someone who has it.²

The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer

Even though most sexually active women will be infected with HPV, most do not develop cervical cancer. There are 3 main reasons for this:

• There are different types of Human Papillomavirus – not all of them have the potential to cause cervical cancer.³ Cervical cancer are mainly caused by 4 types (HPV 16, 18, 45 and 31).⁴
  
  
• The majority of HPV infections are only present for a very short period of time (i.e. transient) and do not cause changes to the cervical cells.³ These infections will not cause changes to the cervical cells. However, infections that do not clear naturally may progress to pre-cancerous lesions and some times into cervical cancer.⁴

Most HPV infections of the cervix show no symptoms and there is no way to self detect an infection. Therefore, Pap smears (Pap tests) are an excellent way of finding pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix, allowing them to be treated before cancer develops.³

• Most of the different forms of genital HPV (called 'sub-types' or 'strains') do not cause cervical cancer.³

Almost all pre-cancerous changes and cervical cancer are associated with these HPV sub-types. If you are infected with these sub-types, it does not mean you will develop cervical cancer or develop pre-cancerous changes. Other factors like smoking may also contribute to the development of changes.³

Who is at risk of cervical cancer?

As HPV infection may lead to the development of cervical cancer, the risk may remain real throughout a woman's life. Women of all ages, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal, may develop cervical cancer. Once you are sexually active, you may be at risk of acquiring an infection with this cancer-causing virus which remains throughout your life. Smoking also increases the risk of cervical cancer.³

Other risk factors for cervical cancer

Diet: There is an association between a diet low in fruits and vegetables and the increase of cervical cancer risks. To help reduce the risks, consume more micronutrients like carotene, Vitamin C and E.⁵

Oral Contraceptives: According to the National Cancer Institute, there is some evidence that long-term use (more than five years) of oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer.⁵

Smoking: Women who smoke are twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer. Tobacco by-products can damage the DNA of cervix cells, contributing to the development of cervical cancer.⁵

Family history of cervical cancer: Cervical cancer may run in some families and if a family member had cervical cancer, you have an increased chance developing the disease.⁵

How to prevent infection with cancer-causing HPV?

Pap smears are not used to diagnose cervical cancer, but to detect abnormal cells or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix which may have the potential to become cancerous. A Pap smear involves an insertion of a speculum into the vagina to widen it. A sample of cells is taken from the cervix and sent to a laboratory for examination. Even if you have been vaccinated against cervical cancer, regular Pap smears remain an important part of a healthy lifestyle.⁷

To obtain accurate results, schedule your Pap tests according to these guidelines:

• When you are not menstruating (between 10 and 20 days after the first day of the last menstrual period).⁶
• Avoid using vaginal medicines, creams, or jellies (unless directed by a doctor) as these substances may wash away or hide abnormal cells.⁶
• It's advisable not to have sexual intercourse about 1 or 2 days before the test as it could cause unclear results.⁶

It is now possible to help prevent infection against cervical cancer through vaccination.⁸

Cervical cancer vaccination works in the same way as any other vaccination you have had, such as tetanus or hepatitis B vaccination. When you are vaccinated, your body creates specific defenses against the virus, so that if you come into contact with the virus, you can be protected against infection.⁸

What are the symptoms?

Most HPV infections of the cervix cause no symptoms. But you may have symptoms if those cell changes grow into cervical cancer. Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Bleeding from the vagina that is not normal, or a change in your menstrual cycle that you can't explain.⁹
• Bleeding when something comes in contact with your cervix, such as during sex or when you put in a diaphragm.⁹
• Pain during sex.⁹
• Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood.⁹

References

1. What is Cervical Cancer? Available at http://stagingiis6.infocervicalcancer.com/protection/cervical_cancer_Protection.aspx
2. Cervical Cancer- Topic Overview. Available at http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/cervical-cancer-topic-overview
3. The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer. Available at http://stagingiis6.infocervicalcancer.com/protection/hpv_cervicalcancer_link.aspx
4. Preventing infection with cancer-causing HPV. Available at http://stagingiis6.infocervicalcancer.com/protection/prevent_hpv_infection.aspx
5. What Causes Cancer of the Cervix? Available at http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_2_2X_What_causes_cancer_of_the_cervix_Can_it_be_prevented_8.asp?rnav=cri
6. Pap Test. Available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/detection/Pap-test
7. Pap Tests and Vaccination. Available at http://stagingiis6.infocervicalcancer.com/protection/protect_yourself.aspx
8. Preventing infection with cancer-causing HPV. Available at http://stagingiis6.infocervicalcancer.com/protection/prevent_hpv_infection.aspx
9. Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors and Symptoms. Available at http://www.imaginis.com/cervical-cancer/risk_factors2.asp