Cervical Cancer
At one time, cervical cancer was one of the more common causes of cancer-related deaths among females. However, with the increased use of the Pap test, there has been a 70% decline in the death rate from cervical cancer. A majority of cases are found in females younger than age 50. And, in terms of ethnicity, Latina and African-American females are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to Caucasian females.
Although the causes of cervical cancer are not known, environmental risk factors and genetics have shown an increased chance of developing the cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam or after going through menopause
- Menstrual periods that last longer and are heavier than before
- Increased vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Pain during sex
Signs and symptoms seen with more advanced disease can include:
- Swelling of the legs
- Problems urinating or having a bowel movement
- Blood in the urine
Risk Factors
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease such as cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors. Some risk factors, like smoking, can be changed. Others, like your age or family history, can’t be changed.
But having a risk factor, or even several risk factors does not mean that you will get the disease. And some people who get the disease may have few or no known risk factors. For cervical cancer, risk factors include:
- Having Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Smoking
- Weakened immune system, such as having HIV or taking medications to suppress the immune system
- Sexual history – becoming sexually active at a young age or having many sexual partners
- Giving birth to many children
- Extensive use of birth control
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Diethylstilbestrol (DES) – the daughters of females who took DES are at increased risk of developing squamous cell cancers and pre-cancers of the cervix
Treatment Overview
The treatment options for cervical cancer vary between surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. In most cases, the recommended treatment is guided by the stage of cervical cancer and whether it has spread to many other areas of the body.
Find out more about our gynecologic cancer treatment program and gynecologic cancer screening services in the greater Akron area.
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