January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

As January began, my memories took me back to my personal experience with cervical cancer.

When I felt a mysterious change sweeping through my body, I did not pay much attention to these signs at first, thinking they were just symptoms of fatigue and tension resulting from the pressures of daily life.

But this day was a decisive turning point in my life, when I noticed unusual symptoms, which were unusual pain and irregular bleeding. I then remembered that my mother had gone through a similar experience and it was an indication of cervical cancer. This realization prompted me to change my outlook and take matters seriously, so I went to my specialist doctor.

My anxiety and tension increased when the doctor indicated the need to conduct in-depth examinations, especially when we touched on the topic of unusual changes in my menstrual cycle. This was a pivotal moment as I began the journey of research and discovery.

In the following paragraphs, we will cover the main symptoms of cervical cancer and the importance of paying attention to them for early detection.

We will also talk about periodic examinations and their important role in prevention. After that, we will review the available treatment options, from surgery to chemotherapy and radiation.

Finally, my dear, we emphasize the importance of psychological and social support for women with cervical cancer. So, follow with us.

Cervical Cancer

It is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower and narrow part of the uterus, which connects the uterus to the vagina. This cancer usually develops slowly over time.

Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of this area undergo changes known as pre-cancerous changes, as abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue.

Over time, if these cells are not destroyed or removed, they may turn into cancer cells and begin to grow and spread deeper into the cervix and to the surrounding areas.

Cervical Cancer Types

Cervical cancer is divided into two main types:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This type is the most common, and accounts for about 80% to 90% of cervical cancer cases.

This cancer develops in squamous cells, which are the thin, flat cells on the surface of the cervix, which connect the uterus to the vagina.

• Adenocarcinoma

This type accounts for about 10% to 20% of cervical cancer cases.

It develops in the glandular cells that produce mucus, located in the internal canal of the cervix.

There are also less common types, such as mixed cancers that contain a mixture of squamous cells and glandular cells.

Cervical Cancer Stages

The stages of cervical cancer are divided into the following:

• Luteal stage (pre-cancerous changes): At this stage, there are only abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix, so this is not yet considered cancer, but it can turn into cancer if not treated.

• The First Stage: The cancer is only in the cervix, and has not spread to other tissues or organs.

• The Second Stage: The cancer has spread beyond the cervix to surrounding tissue, but is still within the pelvic area.

• The Third Stage: The cancer has spread to the lower part of the vagina, or to the inner sides of the pelvis, and may also have affected kidney function.

• Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage, where the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs or liver.

It is very important to perform regular check-ups and pay attention to any changes you may notice; Because early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.

You should also talk to your doctor to obtain accurate information about your specific condition.

Cervical Cancer Symptoms

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not show any obvious symptoms, so it is difficult to detect.

Symptoms usually take several years to appear, which is why early detection of abnormal cells during cervical cancer screening is the best method of prevention.

Symptoms and signs of stage 1 cervical cancer include:

• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be thick and accompanied by a foul odor.
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between menstrual periods, or after menopause.
• Menstrual cycles may be heavier and longer than usual.

If the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs, symptoms may include:

• Difficulty or pain when urinating, sometimes with blood in the urine.
• Diarrhea, pain or bleeding from the rectum during bowel movements.
• Fatigue, weight loss and appetite.
• A general feeling of illness.
• Mild back pain or swelling in the legs.
• Pain in the pelvic or abdominal area.

If you experience abnormal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or any other unexplained symptoms, a comprehensive examination is recommended.

Cervical Cancer Causes

The main cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk strains such as HPV 16 and HPV 18.

These types of the virus are responsible for the vast majority of cervical cancer cases, and papillomavirus is transmitted through sexual contact.

Although there are many different strains of HPV, only the dangerous strains lead to the development of cancer.

It should be noted that most infections with this virus disappear on their own without causing any health problems.

However, if infection with high-risk strains of the virus persists for several years, it may cause changes in the cells of the cervix, leading to a pre-cancerous condition and eventually cervical cancer if proper diagnosis and treatment are not done.

Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Although human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary factor in the development of cervical cancer, there are a group of other factors that may increase the risk of developing this disease, and these factors include the following:

• Use of hormonal contraceptives for long periods, especially when its use exceeds five years.

• Having sex at a young age can increase the risk of infection.

• Smoking is one of the factors that contribute to increasing the risk of infection.

• Having diseases that affect the ability of the immune system.

• Giving birth before the age of 17 or having twins can be a contributing factor.

• Previous infection with cancer, such as kidney, bladder, or vaginal cancer, which may increase the risk.

Therefore, it is important to raise awareness of the importance of periodic examinations, and to take preventive measures to reduce these risks.

Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Women should start performing cervical screening periodically after they reach the age of 21, as it is necessary and should be performed regularly to detect any changes in the cervix early.

This can help prevent cervical cancer, or diagnose it in its early stages so that treatment is more effective.

Cervical Cancer Test

The most common diagnostic method is a cervical examination, in which a sample of the cells present on the surface of the cervix is taken using a special cotton swab. These cells are then sent to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope in search of any changes or signs of cancer.

Colposcopy and Cervicoscopy

If changes appear in the cells of the cervix during the examination, you may be asked to undergo this examination.

This process is performed using a safe dye or acetic acid; To stain the cells of the cervix, and use the speculum to enlarge the cells and examine them accurately.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA Testing

Infection with HPV can lead to cervical cancer, so you may be asked to have this test.

The sample is collected in the same way as a Pap test, and the test may sometimes be performed on the same sample as well.

If it turns out that you have cervical cancer, you will be directed to meet with a gynecological oncology specialist, to work on treating and diagnosing cervical cancer.

Thanks to his extensive experience and knowledge in this field, he will develop a plan to conduct tests to accurately determine the stage and spread of the cancer.

The following procedures can be used to determine the stage of cervical cancer:

• PET-CT: It is a type of medical examination that combines two types of imaging. We perform these two examinations together at the same time, using the same device to obtain a clearer and more detailed image.

During a PET scan, a small amount of radioactive glucose is injected into a vein, and the scanner rotates around the body and creates an image of the areas of glucose consumption in the body, so the malignant cancer cells appear brighter in the image because they are more active and absorb more glucose than normal cells.

As for a CT scan, it is considered like an X-ray scan, but it is more detailed, as the device takes pictures of different parts of the body from several angles, and sometimes, a special dye is used that is injected into a vein or drunk to make the picture clearer.

When these two tests are combined, doctors can obtain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the body’s health condition.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

The MRI machine uses strong magnets, radio waves and a computer to produce a set of detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body, this technique is also known as nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.

• Ultrasound

This examination uses high-energy sound waves that shock internal tissues or organs, creating an echo.

This echo is used to create an image called a sonogram that shows the body’s tissues.

• Chest X-ray

It photographs the organs and bones inside the chest. X-rays use a type of high-energy radiation that can penetrate the body, to form an image of the areas inside the chest on a special film.

The doctor may request laboratory tests, including the following:

1. Complete blood count (CBC): It is a blood test that measures the following elements in a blood sample:

• Number of red blood cells: These are the cells responsible for carrying oxygen in the body.
• White blood cell count: These are the cells responsible for fighting infection and inflammation.
• Platelet count: These are the cells responsible for blood clotting.
• Hemoglobin content: It is the protein that carries oxygen inside red blood cells.
• Red blood cell volume ratio (Hct): It represents the ratio of the volume of red blood cells to the total blood volume.

Therefore, changes in the values of these elements, whether increasing or decreasing, can indicate cancer or other diseases.

2. Blood chemistry test: It is a blood test that measures the levels of many chemicals secreted by the body’s organs and tissues into the blood, including minerals, the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and liver function tests.

Abnormal levels of any of these chemicals can indicate the spread of cancer or other diseases.

Cervical Cancer Treatment

After you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, you will cooperate with a specialized medical team; To determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Do not worry, my dear, as treatment methods are multiple and effective, and you may choose more than one method based on several factors, including:

• Cancer stage: How far it has spread in your body.
• Your general health: your physical and psychological condition.
• Your personal preferences: what you choose and what you fear.

The treatment plan will include important details, such as information about the nature and stages of the cancer, available treatment options and their possible side effects, and the expected duration of treatment.

Know that you may be concerned about the effect of treatment on your ability to conceive, so you can talk to your medical team before starting treatment, and you will get clear information about the available options to protect fertility and preserve your chance of conceiving later.

The main methods of treating cervical cancer include:

Radiotherapy

Energy rays are used to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy:

• External radiation therapy: uses high-intensity radiation directed at the cancer from a machine outside the body.
• Internal radiation therapy: Places the radiation source inside or near the cancer.

Chemotherapy

It is the use of special medications that are taken by injection into a vein or as pills, and their goal is to reach cancer cells throughout the body and kill them. Treatment is given in stages or cycles, as the duration and frequency of these cycles vary depending on the type of medication and the location of the cancer in the body.

Surgery

There are many surgical options for treating cervical cancer, but in the early stages, only the cancerous tissue can be removed. Some types of surgery include:

• Laser surgery.
• Cryosurgery.
• Simple hysterectomy.
• Total hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy.
• Trachelectomy.

Targeted Therapy

It is a type of treatment that specifically targets cancer cells, without affecting healthy cells. This treatment works by targeting proteins that control the growth and spread of cancer cells. With the progress of science, scientists are able to develop more effective targeted treatments.

Immunotherapy

Medications are used to stimulate your body’s immune system; To recognize and destroy cancer cells, cancer cells can sometimes avoid attack from the immune system by sending special signals, so immunotherapy helps target these signals, so that cancer cells cannot deceive the body and pretend to be healthy cells.

Some people use alternative treatments such as diet, herbs, acupuncture, and other methods to support cancer treatment, but you must talk to your doctor about alternative methods that claim to relieve cancer symptoms. Some of them may be beneficial, but others may be harmful.

Cervical Cancer Prevention

To prevent cervical cancer, there are some important steps you can take.

The most important of which are obtaining periodic gynecological examinations and Pap tests. Additionally, you can follow these instructions:

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination: If you are eligible for the vaccine, it is important to get it; Because it protects against the virus that causes most cases of cervical cancer.

2. Use a condom during sexual intercourse: This helps reduce the transmission of HPV, and other infections that can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

3. Quitting smoking is an important step in preventing this type of cancer.

4. It is recommended to eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially those containing antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, because they may help reduce the risk of infection.

5. Obesity may increase the risk of cervical cancer, so it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise.

6. Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals, such as those found in some industrial environments.

7. Conducting regular examinations and following up on any unusual symptoms with a doctor, and early detection can help in effective treatment of cervical cancer.

8. Reducing exposure to physical and psychological stress; Because chronic stress can negatively affect the immune system

By following these tips, you can boost your health, reduce your risk of cervical cancer, and maintain overall health.

Dealing with the Mental Effects of Cervical Cancer

It can be a great challenge when we decide to deal with the psychological and emotional effects of cervical cancer, but there are several ways that can help you face this difficult period:

• Don’t be shy about talking about your feelings and fears with friends, family, or a therapist, as emotional communication can provide comfort and help relieve psychological stress.

• Connecting with other women going through similar experiences can provide support and understanding, as well as a source of inspiration and encouragement.

• Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps promote feelings of physical and mental well-being.

• Explore relaxation and meditation techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing techniques. These methods reduce stress and improve mental health.

• Give yourself time to rest and recover, and learn to gently say no to activities that cause you stress.

• Do not hesitate to seek help from a psychotherapist, if you feel the need for it, as psychotherapy helps provide additional support and helps you deal with your feelings.

• Try to focus on the things that bring you happiness and satisfaction, and keep a diary to record the beautiful moments and things that you feel grateful for.

Remember that each person deals with psychological challenges in their own way, and it is important to find methods that suit you and help you deal with this disease.

Dear reader, we have reached the conclusion of our article, in which we discussed cervical cancer in all its details, including symptoms, examinations, and treatment methods.

We hope that you have found in these lines information that helps you understand this disease better, and always remember, my dear, that awareness and early examination are the two most powerful weapons in the face of any disease.

Farashti Magazine wishes you health and wellness, and that this information will be a step towards awareness and attention to your health. May you be well and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cervical Cancer

Written by: Dr. Nahed Abd-Alkareem Ahmad

Sources:

cancer

clevelandclinic