Cervical cancer, slow growth cancer affecting the cervix – the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina – is an important health problem for women in India. Caused mainly by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, cervical cancer Often develops over the years after precancerous changes in cervical cells. India, which houses more than 511 million women aged 15 and over, faces an alarming burden on this disease. Each year, around 123,907 women receive a diagnosis of cervical cancer and 77,348 succumb to it, making it the second most common cancer in Indian women.
Current symptoms and signs of warning cervical cancer
College cancer is often difficult to detect in its beginnings because it may not show notable symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can be subtle and may resemble those of other conditions. Current early signs include abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause, heavier or longer menstrual periods, pelvic pain or lower back and pain during sex. Women can also undergo vaginal bleeding after intercourse, doubles or pelvic exams, as well as changes in vaginal flows, such as a stronger odor or a color change. As cancer progresses, more serious symptoms can develop, including blood in urine, bone fractures, urination or stools, fatigue, swelling of the legs and pain, severe back pain and unexplained weight loss.
Lifestyle changes to prevent cervical cancer
To reduce the risk of cervical cancer, several lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. Key recommendations include:
1. Be vaccinated against HPV: the HPV vaccine can prevent high -risk strains infection of the virus that cause cervical cancer. It is more effective during administration before exposure to the virus, ideally before the start of sexual activity.
2. Practice safe sex: the use of condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of HPV, although they do not completely eliminate the risk. Limit the number of sexual partners also reduces the chances of exposure to HPV.
3. Stop smoking: smoking weakens the immune system and makes it more difficult for the body to eliminate HPV infections, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Stopping smoking considerably reduces this risk.
4. Maintaining regular screening: regular covers and HPV tests help detect abnormal cervical cells early, allowing rapid treatment before cancer development.
5. Promote a healthy immune system: a balanced diet, a regular exercise and stress management can help maintain a strong immune system, which plays a key role in preventing HPV infections from progressing in cervical cancer the uterus.
6. Avoid the shower: Douching can disturb the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, increasing the risk of infections, including HPV.
Treatment options for cervical cancer
The treatment of cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the overall health of the patient and other individual factors. In the early stages, surgery is often the first treatment option, which can involve the removal of the collar (hysterectomy) or, in some cases, just the tumor or part of the pass (conization). Radiotherapy, which uses high energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, can be used in combination with surgery or as primary treatment for more advanced stages. In some cases, chemotherapy containing platinum, which uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells, is combined with radiotherapy for increased efficiency, especially for advanced or advanced stadium cancers. Immunotherapy helps the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells and can be used for locally advanced cervical cancers in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In advanced / recurring cervical cancers, chemotherapy ± Bevacizumab targeted therapy focuses on specific abnormalities in cancer cells ± immunotherapy can be used. For patients with advanced disease for whom are not eligible for chemotherapy and have cervical cancer PD-L1, monotherapy immunotherapy can also be used. Other treatment options for advanced or metastatic cervical cancer include tisotumab vedotin. For patients whose tumors are HER2-post (IHC 3+ or 2+), Deluxecan trastuzumab can also be taken into account. When healing or control of the disease is not possible, palliative care is provided to manage symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. The treatment plans are generally personalized, often involving a combination of these therapies.
While we continue to raise awareness of the link between life choices and cervical cancer, it is important to remember that prevention is at hand. With informed decisions and coherent efforts, we can allow women to lead healthier lives and without cancer and open the way to a future where cervical cancer is no longer a significant public health threat.
(Dr Vicky Makker, MD, Gynecological Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, United States)