What is cervical cancer ? How can you get infected?

Verified by Dr. Vaishali Sakpal Rane (MBBS, DGO Obstetrics and Gynaecology, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology)

Cancer that damages the cervix's cells is known as cervical cancer. The cervix is located at the base of your uterus. It resembles a donut and links your uterus to the entrance of your vagina. It is coated in cell-based tissues. These healthy cells are what can develop into pre-cancerous cells. It occurs when the cells on your cervix start to transform into precancerous cells. Although not all precancerous cells progress to malignancy, identifying these cells and controlling them before they become cancerous is critical for avoiding cervical cancer.

Initial stages of cervical cancer are frequently asymptomatic and difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of cervical cancer may not arise for several years. The greatest strategy to avoid cervical cancer is to identify abnormal cells during cervical cancer checkups. The virus HPV, which is transferred sexually, is responsible for the majority of cervical malignancies. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact (anal, oral, or vaginal) and can cause cancer.Human papillomavirus (HPV) strains cause skin warts, genital warts, and other skin problems. Others have been linked to vulvovaginal, vaginal, penis, anus, tongue, and tonsil cancers.

At the onset of the disease, cervical cancer pain might not even feel like it. As cancer spreads to adjacent tissues and organs, you may suffer from pelvic discomfort or difficulty urinating. Others may feel generally bad, weary, or start losing their appetite.

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Cervical cancer is often curable if detected early. Radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are the four major therapies. 

These therapies are sometimes combined to increase their effectiveness.

Getting a Pap smear or hrHPV test on a regular basis is one of the simplest strategies to avoid cervical cancer. Screening detects precancerous cells, allowing them to be addressed before they develop into cancer.

A cancer diagnosis is both unexpected and terrifying. Having friends and family to lean on during this difficult time might help you deal. The early identification of abnormal cells on your cervix is important for detecting and treating this awful illness. You may lower your risk of cervical cancer by receiving regular gynaecological checkups and practising safe sex.