Cervical cancer survival rate without doubt the most preventable and most lethal woman's cancer that is haunting the world, cervical cancer defies the mounting progress in early detection and immunization, and continues to be one of the leading public health issues, particularly in the third world such as Pakistan, where there is low cervical cancer screening.

It is important that women of all ages must be aware of the symptoms, etiology, prevention, and control of cervical cancer so that they are able to provide early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved survival. The book is a teaching textbook of women of all ages.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in cells of the cervix, or cervix cells, lower part of the uterus that opens to the vagina. It becomes more harmful with time, first as cervical dysplasia (abnormalities in cervix cells) and eventually invasive cancer if not treated.

The most common single cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with one of more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancers.
It is an extremely preventable and curable disease, as long as it is screenable early in its course by screening and immunization.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer, if it is in its early stage of onset, is symptom-free more or less, and cervical cancer screening must be carried out regularly. With the advancement of the disease, the following cervical cancer symptoms are felt:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after sexual intercourse, between menstrual periods, or postmenopause)
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, or malodorous)
  • Pelvic or lower back pain
  • Sexual intercourse pain
  • Increased or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Palpitations or weight loss in advanced stages
It should not be forgotten to notice the early signs of cervical cancer because if it is found either in Stage 1 or Stage 2, the cervical cancer survival rate is significantly enhanced.

Causes of Cervical Cancer

The principal causes of cervical cancer is chronic HPV infection. Other causes are the etiologic factors of cervical cancer:

HPV and Cervical Cancer

The most fundamental cause-and-effect relationship to cervical cancer is with HPV. HPV and cervical cancer is a virus one acquires through sex that women all get at some time in life. The body is able to clear it by itself, but long-term infection with high-risk types leads to cancer.

Compromised Immune System

Women whose immunity is compromised, through HIV, chronic disease, or immunosuppressive therapy, have high risk for cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.

Smoking

Smokers get tobacco residue on their cervix, which causes a DNA damage and it becomes difficult for the immune system to clear HPV infection.

Forty Years of Contraceptive Pill Use

Five or more years use of oral contraceptive pills will add some cervical cancer risk factors.

Early and Multiple Childbearing

Early and multiple childbearing may double exposure to HPV and its associated cancers.
Awareness of these etiological causes of cancer of the cervix will help in making informed health and lifestyle choices.


Important Prevention Strategies for Cervical Cancer

It is possible to prevent cancer of the cervix through the practice of change of lifestyle, screening, and immunization. This is the way women can protect themselves against it:

HPV Vaccination

The cervical cancer vaccine is safe and protects against the most lethal types of HPV (HPV 16 and 18). The vaccine is given to girls and boys between 9 and 14 years, ideally prior to sexual activity.
HPV vaccine is in the pipeline but definitely in Pakistan. Discuss availability and appropriateness with your physician.

Routine Screening

Early Pap smear test screening or human papillomavirus testing is the strongest prevention of cervical cancer. Cervical dysplasia may be detected by the screening tests before they become cervical cancer.
Less expensive cervical cancer screening is available in most hospitals and women health centers across the globe, including cervical cancer in Pakistan.

Safe Sex Habits

Less number of sexual partners and condoms can lower the chances of transmitting HPV.

Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking lowers your chances of developing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.

Healthy Immune System

Physical fitness, diet, and stress reduction are necessary for a healthy immune system and enhanced protection against diseases such as HPV.

A Number of Plans for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Best plan of cervical cancer treatment options differs depending on the cervical cancer stages, size, and location and whether fertility preservation is desired or not.

Surgery

  • Surgery removes cancer tissue and is best with learly disease.
  • Early cervical dysplasia is treated by cure with cone biopsy or LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure).
  • Stage 1 and 2 cervical cancer is cured with hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
  • Young women with early disease are given fertility-sparing therapy.

Radiation Therapy

It employs intense beams of energy to kill the cancer cells and may be applied alongside chemotherapy. It is usually applied in an advanced stage or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the treatment with medicines that kill or stop the growth of the cancer cells. It is generally employed when the cancer has spread outside the cervix or cannot be eliminated by surgery.

Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy

These are newer medications that kill a part of the cancer cells or enhance the immune system's function to detect and destroy cancer. These are administered most commonly in recurrent and widespread cervical cancer. Early diagnosis calls for survival for cervical cancer. It is simpler to treat and less painful if the cancer is diagnosed early.

All these patients, who want cervical cancer treatment in Pakistan, have some of the finest hospitals in the country equipped with modern oncology and qualified professionals, e.g., Shaukat Khanum, Aga Khan University Hospital, and NORI Cancer Hospital.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer can be averted, screened, and treated, and even better if women are highly educated. From HPVs and cervical cancer relationships to more on symptoms and signs of cervical cancer, cervical cancer prevention is protection. Early Pap smear screening, early human papillomavirus vaccination, and living healthy can all reduce your risk significantly.

Early detection when symptoms and signs do occur, by cervical biopsy, and early treatment can save lives and restore fertility. In nations like Pakistan, where awareness is being created at an increasing level, it is more essential that we create awareness among women to prevent cervical cancer. We can prevent the transmission of cervical cancer and save lives through screening and increased accessibility to vaccines and therapy.

Please book an appointment with the best Oncologic Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.