This week, January 19th through the 25th is cervical cancer prevention week. Cervical cancer is very preventable and curable when it is spotted early. With routine screenings and other preventative measures, you can have reassurance.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is when the cells of the cervix become abnormal and rapidly grow out of control, forming a cancerous tumour. This abnormal change is called dysplasia. The two main types of cervical cancer are called Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma. The names originate from where the cancer first develops, either in the outer part of the cervix or the inner part of the cervix that connects the vagina to the uterus.
Cervical cancer is usually asymptomatic, but symptoms will start to appear if the cancer spreads. Early symptoms include:
- vaginal bleeding after sex
- vaginal bleeding after menopause
- vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
- vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
- pelvic pain or pain during sex
Later-stage symptoms will likely have the same early-stage symptoms but also may include:
- difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement
- difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine
- dull backache
- swelling of the legs
- pain in the abdomen
- feeling tired
The Main Cause of Cervical Cancer
Almost all types of cervical cancers are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Most HPV infections are short-term, low-risk infections that are asymptomatic and managed by the immune system. When the infection lasts longer, it will change the cells in the cervix and result in precancerous lesions that will develop into cervical cancer if it is not interfered with. The highest risk types, HPV 16 and 18, cause 70% of cervical cancers across the world. The most effective way to prevent HPV transmission is to get vaccinated. Gardasil 9 is the approved vaccine to prevent seven cancer-causing strains of HPV (6, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58). It also protects against the strains of HPV that cause genital warts (6 and 11). The vaccine will not treat an existing HPV infection; it will only prevent the formation of precancers. The vaccine will be most effective if it is administered before you become sexually active. Doctors recommend receiving the two doses from age 11 to 15.
The Importance of Screenings
Gardasil 9 is very effective but does not give you complete protection from cervical cancer. That is why it is important to get screened often. Regular screening should start somewhere in your mid-20s. Doctors can identify abnormalities or HPV infections with HPV tests and Pap smears, also called cytology tests. It is uncommon for doctors to recommend getting tested before age 25 since abnormalities often go back to normal on their own the younger you are. After age 25, it is recommended that you get screened every three years up until age 50. Between the ages of 50 and 65, it is recommended that you get screenings every five years. After age 65, the chances of developing cervical cancer are extremely low, so regular tests are not needed. Your doctor will only ask you to return if your most recent test showed an abnormality.
Additional Methods to Prevent Transmission of HPV
Another way to protect yourself against HPV and cervical cancer is to use condoms during sex. It will decrease the chances of receiving or transmitting HPV to the other person. They do not entirely prevent transmission; it is still possible to spread the infection in areas where the condom does not cover.
Living a healthy lifestyle will help protect your body against all types of cancers. Avoiding risk factors such as smoking will help your immune system stay strong. Lifestyle habits like exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help prevent cancer.