Cervical Cancer Prevention: Screening, HPV and Risk Reduction

Key Facts

• Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix.
• The cervix is the opening of the womb (uterus) that leads to the vagina.
• It is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.
• It is more common in women aged 30–35, but it can occur at any age.
• The cervix is part of the female reproductive system and is sometimes called the mouth of the womb.
• Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
• The risk of cervical cancer can be reduced through HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cervix, often called the mouth of the womb. It can happen to any woman, but it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

What’s surprising is that cervical cancer is largely preventable unlike many other cancers. Yet, in 2022, around 350,000 women lost their lives to it, and without stronger prevention efforts, that number could continue to rise [1].

In this article, we’ll be covering what causes cervical cancer, the symptoms to look out for, how it’s diagnosed, available treatment options, and most importantly, how it can be prevented.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can also affect the skin, genital area, anal area and throat [2].

Almost all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives but will usually have no symptoms. In most cases, the immune system naturally clears the virus.

However, when high-risk HPV infection persists, abnormal cells may develop in the cervix and gradually turn into cancer. This process usually takes 15–20 years, but in women with weakened immune systems (such as untreated HIV), it may take only 5–10 years. This is why cervical screening is vital for early detection [1].

Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer

A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of developing a disease. Risk factors for cervical cancer include [3]:

1. Being female and aged 30–34 years
2. Infection with high-risk HPV types (especially HPV 16 and 18)
3. Sexual activity with an infected partner
4. Having multiple sexual partners
5. Tobacco smoking
6. Long-term use of oral contraceptive pills (especially over 5 years)
7. A family history of cervical cancer
8. Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV infection or organ transplant)
9. Having other sexually transmitted infections
10. Pregnancy

What Are The Early Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer?

Early symptoms of cervical cancer may include [4]:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as:
  • bleeding between periods
  • bleeding during or after sex
  • bleeding after menopause (after periods have stopped)
  • heavier or longer periods than usual
• Changes in vaginal discharge, including:
  • unusual colour or consistency
  • strong or unpleasant smell
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the lower abdomen (lower tummy)
• Pain in the lower back or pelvic area (between the hip bones)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that keep coming back

How Cervical Cancer Is Diagnosed

If you experience symptoms that suggest cervical cancer, your doctor will ask about your medical and family history and perform a physical examination. Further tests may include cervical screening and procedures such as colposcopy, which allows close examination of cervical cells.

If cancer is detected, your doctor will discuss available treatment options. If results are negative, follow-up screening will be arranged. Cervical cancer may also be detected during routine cervical screening, even before symptoms appear [5, 6]. In this case, you should also inform your doctor.

Treatment Options For Cervical Cancer

Treatment depends on the size and type of cancer, whether it has spread, your overall health, and your preferences. Treatment options may include [7]:

• Surgery – removal of cancer, part of the cervix, or the womb and surrounding tissues
• Chemotherapy – medicines that kill cancer cells
• Radiotherapy – radiation used to destroy cancer cells
• Immunotherapy – targeted treatments that help the immune system fight cancer

Preventing Cervical Cancer

Preventing cervical cancer requires taking some targeted measures to reduce your risk.

• HPV vaccination

HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 9–14 years. It protects against the HPV types most likely to cause cervical cancer. Vaccination may still be given up to age 25, and up to 45 years for those at higher risk [1].

• Cervical screening

Cervical screening detects abnormal cell changes before cancer develops. Screening usually begins at age 30 (or 25 for women with weakened immunity) and continues until age 64 [1].

• Additional Prevention Measures

1. Quit smoking, as smoking weakens the immune system [8]
2. Practice safe sex to reduce HPV transmission [8]

Frequently Asked Questions

• Should men get vaccinated?

Yes. Men should get the HPV vaccine because vaccination helps prevent other cancers such as throat, anal, and penile cancers, and reduces HPV transmission to partners.

• Can cervical cancer be cured completely?

Yes. Cervical cancer can often be cured completely, especially when it is diagnosed and treated early.

• What is the survival rate of cervical cancer?

The survival rate for cervical cancer is generally high when detected early. Outcomes depend on factors such as the stage at diagnosis, how far the cancer has spread, and the person’s overall health.

• What causes cervical cancer apart from HPV?

While nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, other factors can increase risk, including:

1. Smoking
2. A weakened immune system (such as from HIV or long-term medication)
3. Not attending regular cervical screening
4. Long-term use of oral contraceptives

• Will cervical cancer treatment affect my fertility?

Yes, cervical cancer treatment can affect fertility, depending on the type and extent of treatment. It’s important to speak with your doctor or a fertility specialist before starting treatment if you hope to have children in the future.

References

1. WHO - Cervical cancer
2. American Cancer Society - Cancers linked with HPV
3. Cancer Research UK - Risks and causes of cervical cancer
4. NHS - Symptoms of cervical cancer
5. National Cancer Institute - Cervical cancer diagnosis
6. NHS Inform - Cervical Cancer
7. National Cancer Institute - Cervical cancer treatment
8. NHS - Causes of cervical cancer