Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptom and treatment

Cervical cancer is more than a medical term—it’s a reality that affects hundreds of thousands of women worldwide each year. While advancements in screening and vaccination have made prevention possible, awareness and timely action remain our strongest weapons.

So, what exactly is cervical cancer? How does it develop, and what should you watch out for? Let’s dive deep into this topic—because when it comes to your health, knowledge truly is power.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells lining the cervix—the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Think of the cervix as a narrow passage, and cervical cancer as an unwanted blockage that develops silently, often without early symptoms.

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Most of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, where access to screening and vaccination is limited.

How Does It Occur?

Cervical cancer develops slowly over time. It usually starts with precancerous changes, known as cervical dysplasia, which can gradually turn into cancer if left untreated.

Here’s a simple analogy: imagine rust forming on a metal gate. At first, it’s just a few specks (precancerous cells), but if ignored, it spreads and corrodes the structure (invasive cancer).

The key culprit? Human papillomavirus (HPV). It’s a sexually transmitted virus, and while most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infection—especially with high-risk types like HPV-16 and HPV-18—can lead to cervical cancer.

What Are the Causes of Cervical Cancer?

While HPV is responsible for more than 99% of cervical cancer cases, other factors play a supporting role in increasing risk.

Here are the main causes:

• HPV infection (especially high-risk strains) – Linked to nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
• Smoking – Smokers are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer. Tobacco weakens the immune system and damages cervical cells.
• Weakened immune system – HIV or long-term immunosuppressive therapy can reduce the body’s ability to fight HPV.
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives – Using birth control pills for 5+ years may slightly increase risk.
• Multiple pregnancies – Women who’ve had three or more full-term pregnancies are at greater risk.
• Early sexual activity or multiple partners – These increase the chance of contracting HPV.

In short, HPV is the match, and these factors are the fuel.

Risk Factors

Every woman has a cervix, but not every woman has the same risk. Some are more vulnerable due to lifestyle or biological factors.

Here are the major risk factors:

• Persistent HPV infection
• Smoking
• Early onset of sexual activity (before age 18)
• Multiple sexual partners
• Weakened immune system
• Lack of regular Pap smears
• Low socioeconomic status
• Family history of cervical cancer

Of all these, the absence of routine screening is the most concerning. Why? Because cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable if detected early.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Here’s the tricky part—early-stage cervical cancer often shows no symptoms. That’s why screening is vital.

But as the disease progresses, common symptoms include:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding (between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopause)
• Watery or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the legs (in advanced stages)

These symptoms can be vague or mistaken for other conditions. So, if something feels off—listen to your body and talk to your doctor.

Differential Diagnosis

Several other conditions can mimic the symptoms of cervical cancer, making diagnosis challenging without proper testing.

The most common differential diagnoses include:

• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Can also cause pelvic pain and abnormal discharge.
• Endometrial cancer – May present with similar abnormal bleeding.
• Uterine fibroids – Benign growths that can lead to heavy or prolonged periods.
• Cervical polyps – Non-cancerous but may cause spotting.
• Vaginal infections – Like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.

Because symptoms overlap, healthcare providers rely on specific tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How to Diagnose Cervical Cancer?

So, how do doctors know for sure?

The gold standard for early detection is the Pap smear (also called Pap test). It involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope for abnormalities.

Here’s the step-by-step approach:

1. Pap smear – Detects precancerous or cancerous cells.
2. HPV testing – Identifies the presence of high-risk HPV strains.
3. Colposcopy – A magnified examination of the cervix, often done if Pap results are abnormal.
4. Biopsy – Removes a small tissue sample to confirm cancer.
5. Imaging tests (e.g., MRI, CT, PET scans) – Help determine the cancer’s stage and spread.

Early diagnosis can mean the difference between a simple outpatient procedure and a life-altering treatment plan.

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

The treatment plan depends on the cancer’s stage, location, and the patient’s overall health and fertility goals.

🔹 Early-Stage Treatment

For early-stage cervical cancer (Stage 0–1):

• Cryotherapy or laser therapy – Removes precancerous cells.
• Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP)
• Cone biopsy
• Simple hysterectomy – Removal of the uterus and cervix.

These treatments aim to eliminate cancer while preserving fertility when possible.

🔹 Advanced-Stage Treatment

For more advanced stages (Stage 2–4), treatment options include:

• Radical hysterectomy – Removal of uterus, cervix, parts of the vagina, and lymph nodes.
• Radiation therapy – High-energy rays destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy – Often combined with radiation.
• Targeted therapy (e.g., bevacizumab) – Blocks blood supply to cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy – Newer option for persistent or recurrent cases (e.g., pembrolizumab).

The gold standard for advanced disease remains concurrent chemoradiation—a powerful combination that improves survival outcomes.

What Is the Prognosis?

Here’s the encouraging part: when caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable.

• 5-year survival rate for Stage I: Around 90%
• Stage II: 60–80%
• Stage III: 30–50%
• Stage IV: Below 20%

The earlier it’s found, the better your odds.

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?

Yes—and that’s what makes it different from many other cancers.

Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• HPV vaccination – Safe, effective, and recommended for boys and girls aged 9–14. (Catch-up available up to age 26)
• Regular Pap smears and HPV testing
• Practice safe sex – Use condoms and limit the number of partners.
• Stop smoking – Tobacco increases your risk.
• Follow up on abnormal results – Don’t delay colposcopy or treatment.

Prevention is always better than cure—and in this case, it’s powerful.

Living with Cervical Cancer

A diagnosis can be overwhelming. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. But you are not alone.

Support is out there—through cancer support groups, psychological counselling, and survivor networks. Whether you’re navigating treatment or adjusting to life afterward, remember: recovery isn’t just about curing the body. It’s about healing the whole person.

Cervical Cancer in Developing Countries: A Silent Crisis

Let’s not ignore the global gap. In countries with organized screening programs, cervical cancer is on the decline. But in lower-income nations, women often lack access to even basic Pap smears.

The result? Nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in these regions.

Bridging this gap will require public education, government-backed vaccination, and affordable screening services. Health equity is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is cervical cancer hereditary?
Not directly. However, a family history may increase susceptibility due to shared risk factors.

Can I get cervical cancer after a hysterectomy?
If your cervix was removed (total hysterectomy), your risk is extremely low—but vaginal cancer is still a rare possibility.

How often should I get a Pap smear?
Generally, every 3 years starting at age 21. If combined with HPV testing, every 5 years after age 30.

Does the HPV vaccine work if I’m already sexually active?
Yes, but it’s most effective if given before exposure to HPV. Still worth getting up to age 26.

References

1. World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. HPV and Cancer. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/
3. American Cancer Society. Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer/causes-risks-prevention.html
4. National Cancer Institute. Cervical Cancer Treatment (PDQ)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/patient/cervical-treatment-pdq
5. Mayo Clinic. Cervical Cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cervical-cancer