Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in women. If diagnosed early, it can be easily treated. The cancer type can be timely detected with regular screening tests such as Pap Smear.
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of deaths in women. If diagnosed early, it can be easily treated. The cancer type can be timely detected with regular screening tests such as Pap Smear.
Learn more about cervical cancer, as Dr. Rajeev Shrivastava, Sr. Consultant – Radiation Oncology, AOI answers common questions related to the cancer type.
What are the common causes of cervical cancer?
The most common cause of cervical cancer is HPV virus (Human Papilloma Virus). This virus is commonly sexually transmitted, and it has some 100 different strains, of which only certain types, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18 cause cervical cancer.
However, other common causes that may increase your risk of developing cervical cancer includes early marriage, especially before 18 years, starting sex life before 16 years, having multiple partners, smoking, being HIV positive.
Every woman with HPV virus gets cervix cancer- is this a truth or a myth?
No, most women with HPV don’t get cervical cancer because normally our body’s immune system prevents HPV virus from transforming normal cells. However, in some exceptional cases, it may survive longer and lead to the formation of cervical cancer.
Is cervical cancer common in India?
Cancer of cervical is one of the leading causes of death in women. In India, it is second most common cancer type diagnosed in women after breast cancer. But that being said, cancer of cervical if diagnosed early is curable.
What are common symptoms of cervical cancer?
As is case with most cancer types, symptoms of cervical cancer can be confused with other common problems such as urinary tract infection and menopausal symptoms, etc.
But a few signs and symptoms of cervical cancer such as vaginal bleeding in between menstruation periods, post-coital bleeding, pain in the lower abdomen, constipation, etc., are some of the warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. As the stage progresses, the patient may even complain of weakness and other systemic symptoms as well.
Do you see any difference between patients from India and from other developed countries?
While in India, the patient, commonly seeks medical advice during later stages, especially when the disease is already in the advanced stage, in advanced countries, patients tend to show up at the early stage. The difference is largely due to awareness and screening programs.
What are treatments available for cancer cervix?
Cancer cervix is treated by surgery followed by radiation in early stages, otherwise, radiation therapy alone is the preferred treatment. However, chemotherapy can be given along with radiotherapy or for metastatic disease.
Can we prevent cancer of the cervix?
Yes, the best way to prevent cancer of cervix is through vaccination. The cervix cancer vaccine is now easily available and is to be offered to women between the ages of 9 and 26 years before they become sexually active. In addition to the vaccine, females should undergo routine pelvic examination and PAP SMEAR test to detect cervix cancer early.
Is cervical cancer curable and what is importance of early detection?
When cervical cancer is diagnosed early, without any complication, most women can be successfully treated. So it is very important to know early sign and symptoms of cervical cancer and practice safe sex to prevent the disease.
Where can I go for cervical cancer treatment in Nagpur?
If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, contact our representative to seek an appointment with our oncologist. At American Oncology Institute, we offer a full-fledged facility at Nangia Specialty Hospital. The state-of-the-art hospital with world-class technology offers comprehensive treatment services for people across all age groups. So if you are looking for a hospital with unmatched cervical cancer treatment success rate in Nagpur, contact us. Also, we provide cervical cancer vaccine in Nagpur to women between the age group of 9-26 years.
