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Cervical cancer is defined as a cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lowest part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is the entrance to the uterus from the vagina. Cervical cancer occurs when a malignant tumor develops at this region. This occurs in women only because men do not have cervix, and it develops slowly over time. It is one of the leading cause of cancer deaths among women globally. According to World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is ranked the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide.

Unlike other cancers which affect women like the ovarian and breast cancer, cervical cancer is not hereditary. A number of risk factors for cervical cancer development have been linked to infection by the human papilloma virus HPV and this is mostly contacted through sexual intercourse.. However the risk of cancer progression depends on the type of HPV virus. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, some are high-risk HPV types while some are low-risk HPV types. There are about 12 high-risk types and these are responsible for causing several cancer cases. For 70% of all cervical cancer cases, HPV 16 and HPV 18 are responsible. Having sexual intercourse at young age is also a risk factor. Other factors include having multiple sexual partners, smoking, multiparity, low socioeconomic status and young age at first pregnancy. Women living with HIV are also at an increased risk of developing infection from HPV, most especially at early ages. This is because of their weakened immune system which makes cancer progression faster. According to Zang et.al., 2020, cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early age in women with HIV compared with non infected ones. Use of oral contraceptive pills is also a recorded risk factor for cervical cancer. This risk increases with increase in duration of OC usage.

According to WHO, HPV infection, which is usually transmitted by sexual contact is likely to infect almost all sexually active people at some point, usually without symptoms. However, in most cases the immune system clears the HPV from the body within a year or two. Nevertheless, some may persist. When a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, it can cause abnormal cells to develop, and if left untreated, may get worse over time and become precancerous and may eventually develop into cancer.

Cervical cancer is very easy to contract and spread. However, it is preventable. With the right information and practices, one can prevent it and also ensure that loved ones are protected too. Some of these practices that encourage prevention and control include;

Vaccination of girls at ages 9 to 14

Screening from age 30 in normal women and age 25 in those with HIV

Prompt quality treatment following early detection.

Avoid smoking as it has been recorded to increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Use condoms

Male circumcision

Diagnosis

Cervical cancer develops slowly. Most cases are diagnosed through regular gynecological screening with a Pap smear test. The test involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them for any sign of cancer or other irregularities and abnormalities.

Once the pap test comes back as abnormal, further screening is necessary such as screening for HPV infection, biopsy and others.

Abnormal cervical cells may not necessarily cause any symptoms yet, but they can be detected during screening. Once detected and diagnosed early, cervical cancer can be treated. According to WHO, women should see a medical professional if they notice these symptoms;

Unusual bleeding in between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse.

Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis

Vaginal discomfort

Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite

Swelling in the legs etc.

Treatment

Immediately diagnosis is confirmed, treatment services follow according to stage of disease, age and general health, and if you want children in the future. Therapy ranges from surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy as well as palliative care to provide supportive care and pain management.

Note: Cervical cancer diagnosis may bring concerns on how treatment can affect sexual life and fertility, one should endeavour to discuss with the doctor about treatment options that will be the best choice for her care.

World Health Organization, https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer

Zhang, S., Xu, H., Zhang, L. and Qiao, Y. (2020). Cervical cancer: Epidemiology, risk factors and screening. Chinese journal of cancer research, 32(6), 720–728. https://doi.org/10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2020.06.05