CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS 2025

World cervical cancer awareness month is a global healthcare event observed for the entire month of January every year, its aim to raise awareness of cervical cancer globally.

Various international and local groups have joined together to raise awareness of cervical cancer through multiple campaigns and activities to emphasise the importance of early cervical cancer diagnosis, treatment, and preventive recommendations.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the global incidence of cervical cancer in 2020 was estimated to be 6,04,000 new cases and 3,42,000 deaths

IMPORTANCE OF CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Cervical screening on a regular basis can help in preventing both localised and non-localised cervical cancer. Since the 1960s, screening has successfully prevented cervical cancer on a community basis. According to a 2016 study, subjects with three yearly screenings prevented 83% of non-localised cancers and 48% of stage I cancers compared to women who had not been screened in five years.

When compared to women who did not attend a screening for 5 years, women who attended screening frequently (a minimum of two screens at least ten months apart) had a 90% reduction in the odds of non-localised cervical cancer and a 57% reduction in the odds of stage 1 cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus connecting to the vagina. It starts with abnormal changes in cervical cells, known as precancerous changes or dysplasia, which can develop into cancerous tumours over time. This type of cancer progresses slowly, providing opportunities for early detection and intervention.

Who is at risk of cervical cancer?

Several factors increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, including:

1. HPV infection
   • Persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer.
2. Smoking
   • Tobacco use increases the risk of cervical cancer and can worsen the effects of HPV infection.
3. Weak immune system
   • Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system can increase susceptibility to HPV infection and cervical cancer.
4. Multiple sexual partners
   • Engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners or having a partner who has multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV infection.
5. Early sexual activity
   • Initiating sexual activity at an early age is associated with a higher risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular screening crucial. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

• Irregular bleeding between periods
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding after menopause
• Heavier or longer menstrual periods 

1. Pelvic pain or discomfort
   • Persistent pelvic pain unrelated to menstruation or other known causes.
   • Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
2. Unusual vaginal discharge
   • Increased vaginal discharge that may be watery foul-smelling
   • Discharge may contain blood or occur outside of menstrual periods
3. Pain or bleeding during urination
   • Painful urination (dysuria)
   • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
4. Other symptoms
   • Pain or discomfort in the lower back or abdomen
   • Fatigue or weakness
   • Unexplained weight loss
   • Swelling of one or both legs (edema)

Treatment of cervical cancer

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, overall health, and patient preferences. Options include:

1. Surgery
   • Surgical procedures such as hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) or trachelectomy (removal of the cervix) may be recommended for early-stage cervical cancer.
2. Radiation therapy
   • High-energy beams are used to destroy cancer cells, often combined with surgery for locally advanced cancer.
3. Chemotherapy
   • Drugs are used to kill cancer cells, either with radiation (chemoradiation) or as palliative treatment for advanced cancer.
4. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy
   • These treatments target specific molecular pathways and harness the immune system to fight cancer cells.

In addition to these treatment modalities, supportive care such as pain management, nutritional support, and psychological support plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for women with cervical cancer.

Credit: thomsonmedical