Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know
Introduction
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer is a life-threatening disease, but the most important fact every woman should know is this—it is completely preventable and highly curable when detected early.
In most cases, cervical cancer is caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with around 5.7 lakh new cases and over 3 lakh deaths each year—numbers that can be significantly reduced with awareness and screening.
What are the alarming symptoms of cervical cancer?
In many women, symptoms may appear before the disease progresses to an advanced stage. Do not ignore the following warning signs:
- Bleeding or spotting between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Bleeding after menopause
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Unusual vaginal discharge (watery, bloody, or foul-smelling)
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Persistent pelvic pain or lower back pain as cancer spreads
- Painful urination
- Changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea
Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Any abnormal bleeding—especially after sex or after menopause—should always be evaluated immediately.
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
Cervical cancer prevention is one of the biggest success stories in women’s health. The key lies in regular screening, vaccination, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Regular Pap smear and HPV testing
Pap smear screening helps detect precancerous changes in cervical cells long before cancer develops. When combined with HPV DNA testing, the accuracy of early detection improves significantly.
- Pap smear should begin at 21 years of age
- Screening interval:
– Every 3 years (Pap smear alone)
– Every 5 years (Pap smear + HPV test), depending on age and risk factors - Cervical cancer usually takes many years or even decades to develop from abnormal cells
In my clinical experience, women who undergo regular screening rarely present with advanced cervical cancer.
HPV vaccination
HPV vaccination is one of the most powerful preventive tools available today.
- Protects against high-risk HPV types 16 and 18 (major causes of cervical cancer)
- Also protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts
- Newer vaccines offer broader protection against 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58
- Recommended for girls and boys between 9–14 years, but can also be given later after medical consultation
Practicing safe sex
Using condoms reduces the risk of:
HPV infection
Other sexually transmitted infections that increase cervical cancer risk
While condoms do not provide 100% protection against HPV, they significantly lower transmission rates.
Avoid smoking
Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to clear HPV infection. Women who smoke have a higher risk of cervical cancer compared to non-smokers.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
A strong immune system helps fight HPV infections naturally.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Exercise regularly
- Manage stress effectively
Limiting the number of sexual partners
Multiple sexual partners increase exposure to HPV and other STIs. Reducing exposure lowers the risk of persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer.
Seeking regular gynecological care
Routine gynecological visits ensure:
- Early detection of abnormal cervical changes
- Timely treatment before cancer develops
- Guidance on vaccination and screening schedules
Dr. Dimple Doshi’s Tip:
Cervical cancer is one cancer where prevention truly works—regular check-ups save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is cervical cancer curable?
Ans. Yes, when detected early, cervical cancer is highly curable.
Q2. Can cervical cancer occur without symptoms?
Ans. Yes, early stages often have no symptoms, which is why screening is crucial.
Q3. Is HPV infection common?
Ans. Yes, most sexually active individuals are exposed to HPV at some point in life.
Q4. Can vaccinated women still get cervical cancer?
Ans. The risk is greatly reduced, but screening is still necessary.
Q5. Does Pap smear hurt?
Ans. No, it is a quick, simple, and usually painless procedure.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a serious but largely preventable disease. With regular Pap smears, HPV testing, vaccination, and healthy lifestyle practices, the risk can be reduced dramatically. Awareness, early detection, and timely care are the strongest tools we have.
At Vardaan Hospital, Goregaon West, Mumbai, I focus on preventive gynecology and early diagnosis so that no woman has to face advanced cervical cancer unnecessarily. Your health, awareness, and timely action can truly save your life.
