Cervical Cancer – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Cervical cancer develops when cells in the cervix begin to grow abnormally. The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina. These abnormal cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumors.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays a significant role in causing cervical cancer. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, often during sexual activity. While about 85% of people have been exposed to HPV, most never develop cervical cancer.

Getting the HPV vaccine and regular screenings helps reduce your risk.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer:

  • HPV infection
  • Multiple sexual partners (though infection can occur with just one partner)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Smoking
  • Exposure to DES (a drug used in the 1950s to prevent miscarriage)

Early cervical cancer typically shows no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are crucial. As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear.

Common Symptoms:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause)
  • Watery, bloody vaginal discharge (may be heavy or have an odor)
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Regular screening for cervical cancer should begin at age 21. During these screenings, healthcare providers collect cells from the cervix for laboratory testing.

Two main tests are used:

  1. Pap test – Examines cells for abnormalities.
  2. HPV DNA test – Checks for HPV types that may lead to cancer.

These tests might cause mild discomfort but aren’t painful. If your provider suspects cervical cancer, they may perform a more thorough examination.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Procedure Description
Colposcopy Uses a special tool that shines light through the vagina to magnify the cervix
Punch Biopsy Collects tiny samples of cells for examination
Endocervical Curettage Uses a narrow instrument to take internal tissue samples
LEEP procedure Removes deeper tissue samples
Cone Biopsy Provides a clearer picture of concerning tissue

Treatment for cervical cancer varies based on the stage of cancer and your overall health. Your doctor will consider your personal preferences before recommending treatment options.

Treatment Options:

  • Surgery – Removes abnormal growths (common for early cervical cancer).
  • Chemotherapy – Uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
  • Radiation therapy – Uses high-powered energy beams focused on cancer cells.
  • Targeted drug therapy – Blocks specific weaknesses in cancer cells.
  • Immunotherapy – Helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis is challenging. Here are ways to help manage anxiety and feel more in control:

  1. Learn about the condition: Understanding cervical cancer can help you make informed decisions about your care.
  2. Find support: Reach out to family and friends or join support groups (online or in-person).
  3. Set achievable goals: Focus on small wins to build confidence.
  4. Practice self-care: Eat well, rest, and give yourself time to process emotions.

Signs and Warning Signals

Cervical cancer often develops without early warning signs. However, as it progresses, you may notice these changes:

  • Unusual bleeding from the vagina after sex, between regular periods, or after menopause.
  • Heavier periods that last longer than your normal pattern.
  • Vaginal discharge that appears watery or bloody, may be heavy, and might have an unpleasant smell.
  • Pain in the pelvic area or discomfort during sexual intercourse.

When You Should Seek Medical Help

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait to contact your healthcare provider. While these signs can be caused by other conditions, it’s important to have them checked promptly.

Causes

Cervical cancer develops when normal cells in the cervix undergo DNA changes. These altered cells grow rapidly and don’t die when they should.

The excess cells may form tumors that can damage healthy tissue. Over time, these cancer cells might spread to other body parts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most cervical cancers. This common virus spreads through sexual contact. While HPV typically disappears on its own without causing problems, in some people it leads to cell changes that can develop into cancer.

Cervical Cancer Types

Two main types of cervical cancer exist, classified by where they begin:

  1. Squamous cell carcinoma: This is the most common type, starting in the thin, flat cells that line the outer cervix. These cells form a protective layer on the cervix surface.

  2. Adenocarcinoma: This type begins in the glandular cells that line the cervical canal. These column-shaped cells produce mucus and other fluids.

Some cervical cancers contain both cell types, called mixed carcinomas. In rare cases, cancer may develop from other cervical cell types.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your chance of getting cervical cancer:

  • Tobacco use: Smoking makes HPV infections last longer and become harder to clear. Since HPV causes most cervical cancers, smoking raises your risk.
  • Sexual history factors:
    • Having multiple sexual partners
    • Having partners who have had many other partners
    • Starting sexual activity at a young age
  • Other infections: Having sexually transmitted infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, or HIV/AIDS increases your HPV risk and chance of developing cervical cancer.
  • Weakened immune system: If you have health conditions that weaken your immune system, you may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if you also have HPV.
  • DES exposure before birth: If your mother took diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy, you might have a higher risk.
    • This medication was used in the 1950s to prevent miscarriage and is linked to a specific type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Ways to Lower Cervical Cancer Risk

Taking steps to prevent cervical cancer is important for all women. Here are several effective prevention strategies:

HPV Vaccination

Talk to your doctor about getting the HPV vaccine. This vaccination helps protect against human papillomavirus infections that can lead to cervical cancer. It works best when given before any exposure to the virus.

Regular Screening Tests

Make Pap tests part of your health routine. These tests can find cervical cell changes before they become cancer.

Most doctors recommend starting Pap tests at age 21 and continuing every few years.

Sexual Health Practices

  • Use condoms during sexual activity
  • Limit the number of sexual partners
  • Get tested regularly for sexually transmitted infections

Avoid Tobacco

Don’t smoke cigarettes. If you currently smoke, ask your healthcare provider about quitting programs. Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer and many other health problems.

Regular healthcare visits allow for early detection and better treatment outcomes.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.