Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the narrow opening between the
uterus and the vagina. It is the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with an
estimated 604,000 new cases and 341,000 deaths in 2020 alone (1). While cervical cancer can be
deadly, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer, with routine screening and
vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) being the key methods of prevention. In this
article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical
cancer.
Causes of Cervical Cancer:
The vast majority of cervical cancers (more than 99%) are caused by infection with certain types
of HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection (2). HPV infects cells on the surface of the
cervix and can cause changes in these cells that can lead to cancer over time. While HPV
infection is very common, most people who are infected with the virus do not develop cancer, as
their immune system is able to clear the infection.
There are many different types of HPV, and some are more likely than others to cause cancer.
The two most common high-risk types of HPV are types 16 and 18, which are responsible for
about 70% of all cervical cancer cases (3). Other high-risk types include types 31, 33, 35, 45, 52,
and 58.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer:
While HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, there are several other factors that can
increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. These include:
Not getting regular cervical cancer screenings: Women who do not get regular Pap tests or HPV
tests are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer, as these tests can detect precancerous
changes in the cervix that can be treated before they turn into cancer.
Having multiple sexual partners: Women who have had multiple sexual partners, or who have
had sex with a partner who has had multiple partners, are at increased risk of HPV infection and
cervical cancer.
Smoking: Smoking can damage the DNA in cervical cells, making them more susceptible to
cancer-causing viruses like HPV.
Weakened immune system: Women with weakened immune systems, such as those with
HIV/AIDS or who have had an organ transplant, are at increased risk of HPV infection and
cervical cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, the narrow opening between the
uterus and the vagina. It is the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide, with an
estimated 604,000 new cases and 341,000 deaths in 2020 alone (1). While cervical cancer can be
deadly, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer, with routine screening and
vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) being the key methods of prevention. In this
article, we will explore the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical
cancer.
Causes of Cervical Cancer:
The vast majority of cervical cancers (more than 99%) are caused by infection with certain types
of HPV, a common sexually transmitted infection (2). HPV infects cells on the surface of the
cervix and can cause changes in these cells that can lead to cancer over time. While HPV
infection is very common, most people who are infected with the virus do not develop cancer, as
their immune system is able to clear the infection.
There are many different types of HPV, and some are more likely than others to cause cancer.
The two most common high-risk types of HPV are types 16 and 18, which are responsible for
about 70% of all cervical cancer cases (3). Other high-risk types include types 31, 33, 35, 45, 52,
and 58.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer:
While HPV infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, there are several other factors that can
increase a woman's risk of developing the disease. These include:
Not getting regular cervical cancer screenings: Women who do not get regular Pap tests or HPV
tests are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer, as these tests can detect precancerous
changes in the cervix that can be treated before they turn into cancer.
Having multiple sexual partners: Women who have had multiple sexual partners, or who have
had sex with a partner who has had multiple partners, are at increased risk of HPV infection and
cervical cancer.
Smoking: Smoking can damage the DNA in cervical cells, making them more susceptible to
cancer-causing viruses like HPV.
Weakened immune system: Women with weakened immune systems, such as those with
HIV/AIDS or who have had an organ transplant, are at increased risk of HPV infection and
cervical cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
