Cervical cancer, a common type of cancer among women's diseases, affects at least 2 out of every 100 women. Caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) in 98% of cases, this disease is a fully defined health problem and is preventable.

Cervical cancer usually shows few symptoms in its early stages and is often detected through regular screening tests. Moreover, when diagnosed early, the recovery rate is close to 100%.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer occurring in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is one of the most common cancers among women. This disease affects nearly 500,000 women annually and is caused by HPV (Human Papillomaviruses).

Precancerous lesions appear when the cell layer covering the surface of the cervix transforms into abnormal cells. If these precursors are not detected and treated early, they develop into cervical cancer.

What are the risk factors of cervical cancer?

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Sexual intercourse before age 16
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Multiple sexual partners
• Diseases and medications that suppress the immune system
• Frequent tobacco and alcohol use
• Poor nutritional conditions
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Being overweight or obese
• Weak immune system

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

This disease may not show any symptoms in the early stages. In later stages, symptoms such as a feeling of fullness or a mass in the vagina, pain during sexual intercourse, and vaginal bleeding may occur. Bleeding can also happen during intercourse, and afterward, it may be foul-smelling and drop-shaped.

If the tumor invades the bladder and rectum, the person may experience constipation, urine or stool discharge from the vagina, bloody urine, and dilation of the urinary tract and kidneys. Additionally, tumor spread to the pelvic wall can cause leg pain and severe back and groin pain.

Besides these;

• Pain during urination
• Spotting and bleeding after menopause
• Irregular bleeding between menstrual periods
• Severe pain in sexual organs
• Fatigue and weakness
• Loss of appetite and weight loss may also be observed

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

The greatest advantage of cervical cancer is that it is completely treatable if detected early. Therefore, regular screenings are vital for early detection.

The first step in diagnosis is answering the doctor’s questions thoroughly to uncover the patient’s medical history. Questions include age at first sexual intercourse, presence of pain during intercourse, and any bleeding during or after intercourse. This is followed by a physical examination of the genital area.

A Pap smear cytology test is done to detect abnormal cells. Biopsy samples are taken from potentially dangerous cells to confirm cancer diagnosis and determine its stage. Several other tests are performed to identify the cancer stage.

These tests include a rectovaginal examination (simultaneous examination of the anus and vagina), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.

How is cervical cancer treated?

Treatment of cervical cancer is mainly grouped into surgery and radiotherapy, varying according to the disease progression. Radiotherapy can be used at all stages but is preferred more in advanced stages. In early stages, surgical operations are preferred due to limited spread.

Surgery aims to remove the primary tumor located in the cervix and possible spread areas, helping the patient regain health.