Cervical Cancer

Time : 10:00 AM to 11:00AM

Causes risk factors and prevention early detection diagnosis and staging treatment on cervical cancer

Causes:

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. Not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer, but persistent infection with certain types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, increases the risk.

Risk Factors:

• HPV infection: Particularly high-risk types like HPV 16 and 18.
• Smoking: Increases the risk and severity of cervical cancer.
• Weakened immune system: Increases susceptibility to HPV infection and complications.
• Early sexual activity: Increases exposure to HPV.
• Multiple sexual partners: Increases the likelihood of HPV infection.
• Family history: A history of cervical cancer in the family may slightly increase risk.
• Socioeconomic factors: Limited access to healthcare and screening.

Prevention:

• HPV vaccination: Vaccines like Gardasil and Cervarix protect against HPV 16 and 18.
• Screening: Regular Pap tests (Pap smears) and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes early.
• Safe sex practices: Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
• Smoking cessation: Reducing or quitting smoking decreases the risk.

Early Detection:

• Pap smear: Regular screening to detect abnormal cells in the cervix.
• HPV test: Checks for the presence of high-risk HPV types.
• Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA): Used in resource-limited settings for detecting precancerous lesions.

Diagnosis:

• Colposcopy: Examination of the cervix using a magnifying instrument after abnormal Pap smear or HPV test.
• Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tissue for examination under a microscope to confirm cancer.

Staging:

Cervical cancer is staged from 0 to IV based on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread:

• Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (pre-cancerous cells).
• Stage I: Cancer confined to the cervix.
• Stage II: Cancer has spread beyond the cervix but not to the pelvic wall or lower third of the vagina.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to the pelvic wall and/or lower third of the vagina.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to adjacent organs or distant sites.

Treatment:

Treatment options depend on the stage of cervical cancer and may include:

• Surgery: Removal of the cancerous tissue (cone biopsy, hysterectomy).
• Radiation therapy: External beam radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).
• Chemotherapy: Often combined with radiation therapy for advanced stages.
• Targeted therapy and immunotherapy: Used in certain cases, especially for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer.

Early detection through screening and vaccination, along with prompt treatment, can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with cervical cancer. Regular follow-up care is essential after treatment to monitor for recurrence or complications.

Dr. Fiona Lofts

Program Director

Biography

Dr Lofts is a consultant medical oncologist at St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her sub-speciality interests are gastrointestinal and gynaecological cancers.