Cervical Cancer: Causes Symptoms and Treatment

The cervix, the bottom portion of the uterus that attaches to the vagina, is the part affected by cervical cancer. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. If detected early enough, cervical cancer is curable and treatable, but if neglected, it can result in significant health problems and even death.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until cancer has advanced, so women need regular cervical cancer screenings. The most common screening test is the Pap test, which looks for abnormal cells on the cervix. If abnormal cells are found, a woman may need a biopsy or other tests to determine if cancer is present.

Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until cancer has advanced. However, when they do occur, common symptoms of cervical cancer include the following:

• Vaginal bleeding, which can occur between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that is thick, discoloured, or foul-smelling
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
• Pain or discomfort during urination
• Fatigue or weakness

It's important to note that other conditions can also cause these symptoms, so it's essential to see a doctor if any of them occur.

A Pap test is the best way to detect cervical cancer in its early stages. The test looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, and if abnormal cells are found, a woman may need to have a biopsy or other tests to determine if cancer is present.

Women are advised to have routine cervical cancer screenings. Women should talk to their doctor about the proper screening schedule, as recommendations may vary depending on age, risk factors, and other factors.

It's important to note that cervical cancer is highly preventable and treatable if caught early. So, it's essential to be informed about cervical cancer and its symptoms and to get regular screenings as advised by the healthcare professional.

There are several risk factors for cervical cancer, including:

• HPV infection
• Smoking
• Long-term use of birth control pills
• Weak immune system
• Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES)
• Multiple full-term pregnancies
• HIV infection

To lower the risk of cervical cancer, women can:

• Get vaccinated against HPV
• Get regular cervical cancer screenings.
• Reduce your chances of acquiring HPV by engaging in safe sexual behaviour.
• Quit smoking
• Maintain a healthy diet and weight

Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer

Treatment options for cervical cancer vary depending on the stage of cancer, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. The main treatment options for cervical cancer include:

1. Surgery: Surgery is typically used for early-stage cervical cancer. The most common surgical procedure is a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), which may be combined with removing lymph nodes in the pelvis. In some cases, a radical hysterectomy (removal of the uterus, cervix, and some surrounding tissue) may be necessary.

2. Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used as the primary treatment for cervical cancer or in combination with surgery.

3. Chemotherapy: Drugs are used in chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. It can be used with radiation therapy or for advanced cervical cancer treatment.

4. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules that drive the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is used for advanced cervical cancer that has not responded to other treatments.

5. Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy helps the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used for advanced cervical cancer that has not responded to other treatments.

6. Palliative Care: Palliative care is a type of care that helps people with advanced cervical cancer who have symptoms that can't be cured to manage the symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The treatment plan will be tailored to the individual patient and will consider the stage and grade of cancer and the patient's overall health and preferences.

Coping With a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis and The Emotional and Psychological Effects of The Disease

A cervical cancer diagnosis can be a complicated and overwhelming physical and emotional experience. Feeling a variety of emotions, such as dread, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty, is common.

Following are some Suggestions for handling a cervical cancer diagnosis:

1. Seek support: It is essential to have a support system, whether it's family, friends, a support group, or a therapist. Talking to someone who understands what you are going through can be incredibly helpful.

2. Find credible information: It is essential to be informed about your diagnosis and treatment options, but it is also important to know the limitations of the information you find online. Seek input from credible sources, such as your healthcare provider or cancer organizations.

3. Take care of yourself: Caring for your physical and emotional well-being is essential. You may feel better physically by eating healthily, getting enough sleep, and exercising. It's also important to indulge in relaxing activities that you enjoy.

4. Make treatment decisions: Work with your healthcare team to make treatment decisions that are right for you. Understanding the benefits and risks of each treatment option and considering your values and preferences is essential.

5. Consider counselling: A cancer diagnosis can be a challenging experience that can be hard to cope with alone. A counsellor or therapist to work through the emotions of a cancer diagnosis.

It's important to remember that everyone's experience and coping mechanisms are different. Finding what works for you is essential, and it's okay to have only some answers right away. Be kind to yourself, give yourself time to process, and know that it is okay not to be okay.

Managing Side Effects of Cervical Cancer Treatment

The adverse effects of cervical cancer treatment can vary based on the patient and the type of treatment used.

common side effects of cervical cancer include:

1. Fatigue: Cancer treatments can make you feel tired and weak. It's important to rest as much as you need and engage in light physical activity to help maintain your strength.

2. Nausea and vomiting: Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare team can provide medications to help manage these symptoms.

3. Pain: Surgery and radiation therapy can cause pain. Your healthcare team can provide pain medications to help manage this symptom.

4. Bowel and bladder problems: Radiation therapy can cause bowel and bladder problems, such as diarrhoea, constipation, and incontinence. Your healthcare team can provide medications and other treatments to help manage these symptoms.

5. Sexual dysfunction: Cervical cancer treatment can cause sexual dysfunction, such as vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, and loss of sexual desire. Your healthcare team can provide lubricants, vaginal moisturizers, and other therapies to help manage these symptoms.

6. Emotional distress: Cervical cancer treatment can cause emotional pain, such as anxiety and depression. Your healthcare team can provide counselling, support groups, and other therapies to help manage these symptoms.

It's essential to communicate with your healthcare team about any side effects you are experiencing, as they can provide strategies to help manage them and improve your quality of life during treatment.

Nutritional Ways of Managing and Preventing Cervical Cancer

Some evidence suggests that maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle may help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Some specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations include:

• Eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Consuming foods high in fiber, such as whole grains, beans, and legumes.
• Limiting the intake of red meat and processed meats which have been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption, as it can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
• Maintaining a healthy weight, such as being overweight or obese, has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
• Not smoking or using any tobacco products, as smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
• Regularly exercising, as physical activity, has been shown to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.

It's important to note that although these dietary and lifestyle recommendations may help to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, they are not a substitute for regular cervical cancer screenings, which can detect the disease at an early stage when it is most treatable.

If cervical cancer is diagnosed, treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the cancer stage and the woman's overall health.

Women need to be informed about cervical cancer, its risk factors, and how to reduce it. Regular screenings and early detection are crucial to preventing and treating cervical cancer.