Cervical cancer serves as a major health concern that affects a huge range of women all over the world, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. The guide to cervical cancer and its prevention provides valuable information about the disease, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and latest treatment plans.

Just by exploring the essentiality of regular screenings, vaccines, and lifestyle choices, this guide to preventions of cervical cancer enables women to take preventive measures. Whether you are looking for information for your loved one or yourself, this guide offers valuable insights that help to lower the risk of cervical cancer.  

Cervical Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Prevention, Treatment

Overview of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in cervix cells, a lower part of the uterus that connects to vagina. This cancer type serves as the fourth most common cancer amidst women all over the globe, with proper mortality and morbidity, especially in middle and low income countries. However, this is the most preventable type because of vaccines and screening programs.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

To know about signs and symptoms of cervical cancer is essential for early preventive measures and treatment, as the early stage usually displays no symptoms. Let’s have a look into some common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• Abnormal vaginal discharge.
• Pain in pelvic.
• Painful urination.
• Pain in back and lower legs.
• Fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Bowel movement changes.

Cervical Cancer Reasons (Causes)

• Human papillomavirus infection – It is a group of viruses along with certain specific strains, that is responsible for most of the cervical cancer causes.
• Weak immune system – Weak immune system could occur due to medicines or certain other conditions. This might be the cause of cervical cancer.
• Smoking – Smoking serves as another major cause of cervical cancer, as tobacco smoke possesses harmful chemicals that damages cervical cells.
• Sexual factors – Some sexual factors, like having multiple partners increases the risk of cervical cancer, and this might raise a question – how to prevent from cervical cancer?
• Long use of oral contraceptives – As per research, long-term use of oral contraceptives plays a role in increasing cervical cancer risk.

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Nowadays, cervical cancer is most common worldwide, and is a cancer type that occurs in the uterus lower part. To understand varying stages of cervical cancer is essential for determining the best treatment and precautions.

Stages of this type of cancer are determined by its spreading extent, tumor size, and whether it distributes to other body parts or not.

Stage 1

Stage 1 cervical cancer or localized cancer occurs when it originates from the surface into deep tissues of the cervix but don’t spread to other parts. This stage poses further sub-stages:-

• Stage I A – This type is visible under microscope, and is further subdivided into IA1 (invasion upto 3 mm) and IA2 (invasion upto 3-5 mm).
• Stage I B – It displays large cancer but in cervix only and is further subdivided into IB1 (visible cancer up to 4 cm) and IB2 (large cancer up to 4 cm).

Stage 2

Stage 2 cervical cancer or regional cancer spreads beyond the cervix but doesn’t reach till the lower vagina or pelvic wall. This stage poses further stages:-

• Stage II A – Cancer spreads to the upper ⅔ vagina but doesn’t spread into tissues that surround the uterus. It is further subdivided into IIA1 (tumor of 4 cm) and IIA2 (large tumor of more than 4 cm).
• Stage II B – This stage of cancer spreads to tissues that surround the cervix, known as parametrium.

Stage 3

Stage 3 cervical cancer or advanced local spread occurs when it spreads to the lower third of vagina along with the pelvic wall, resulting in kidney issues. It posses further subdivision:-

• Stage III A – Cancer spreads to vagina’s lower third but not to the pelvic wall.
• Stage III B – It spreads to the pelvic wall that results in kidney problems.
• Stage III C – Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes, and it is further subdivided into IIIC1 (involvement of lymph nodes in pelvis) and IIIC2 (involvement of lymph nodes near aorta).

Stage 4

Stage 4 cervical cancer or distant spread serves as the most advanced stage, where cancer spreads to the body’s other parts. It is subdivided into:-

• Stage IV A – Spreading of cancer to nearby organs, like rectum or bladder.
• Stage IV B – Spreading of cancer to distant organs, like liver or lungs.

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is the most preventable cancer type, yet it stays as the most significant health concern. With early preventions of cervical cancer, risk of its development might get lowered. Here are some important strategies to avoid this type of cancer.

• Human Papillomavirus vaccines – This vaccine seems to be highly effective in preventing cervical cancer. And, vaccination before exposure to the virus via sexual contact offers high protection.
• Regular screening – Regular screening through various tests is vital, as it identifies the cause that could damage cells.
• Safe sexual practices – Indulging into safe sexual practices lowers risk of infection, thus lowering risk of cervix cancer. Limiting partners and usage of condoms prevents cervix cancer.
• Stay away from tobacco – Smoking enhances the chance of cervical cancer. So, to avoid tobacco smoking is the best option for cervical cancer preventive measures.

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Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer

Cervix cancer serves as a critical health issue that mostly affects women, and its early diagnosis is the major factor to enjoy better survival rate. Moreover, diagnosis of this cancer possesses certain steps.

• Screening tests – First step in diagnosis of this cancer is proper screening, that helps in detection of early stages.
• Colposcopy – In case of abnormal results, colposcopy is done. In this process, a colposcope closely examines the cervix for any type of cancerous cells.
• Imaging tests – When cervix cancer is confirmed, certain imaging tests are done to know about the extent of the issue.
• Blood tests – Done to assess entire health and to search for markers that could indicate cancer presence.

Foods to avoid during Cervical Cancer

While managing cervix cancer, dietary plans play a major role in maintaining overall health along with proper treatment. This approach offers a perfect solution on how to prevent cervical cancer.

There is no specific food item that causes this cancer, but some food type could impact your immune system, treatment procedure, and energy levels. Here is a list of certain foods to avoid during this type of cancer.

• Processed meat
• Sugary drinks
• Dietary products rich in fats
• Alcohol
• Refined grains
• Fried foods
• Salty snacks
• Caffeine

Survival Rates during Cervical Cancer

Survival rates of this type of cancer seem to be good, especially when your healthcare professional catches the problem at early stages. As per research, five year relative survival rates in 21st century are:-

• If the cancer doesn’t spread, the five year relative survival rate is almost 90%.
• If it spreads outside the cervix to surrounding tissues, the survival rate is almost 62%.
• If it spreads to lymph nodes and distant organs, the survival rate is almost 20%.

Consult with Dr. Nikhil Mehta for Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Cervix cancer serves as a serious health issue that needs expert care and medical treatment. Dr. Nikhil Mehta, a well-known oncologist, is known for his years of experience in its Cervical Cancer Treatment. With the help of the latest treatment, he provides a better approach towards cervical cancer.

Dr. Nikhil Mehta possesses vast knowledge of varying treatment options in this cancer, including, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. In cervix cancer, you require proper medical advice. And, consulting with Dr. Nikhil Mehta offers you best treatment plans along with tips on preventions of cervical cancer.

So, don’t wait to grab expert advice from Dr. Nikhil Mehta is Jaipur’s leading surgeon for cervix cancer. Quickly schedule an appointment with him and take the step towards a better life with proper treatment.