Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, or womb, and is situated at the top of the vagina. Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to multiply out of control and form pre-cancerous lesions. If undetected, these lesions can develop into tumours and spread into the surrounding tissue.
What is the Cause of Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is caused by infection with certain types of a common virus, called human papillomavirus, or HPV. While other factors such as the oral contraceptive pill, smoking, a woman's immune system and the presence of other infections also seem to play a part, a woman has to have been infected with certain 'high-risk' HPV types before cervical cancer can develop. High risk types 16 & 18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers. Other factors include smoking and age. Abnormal cervical cells are also caused by HPV infection, and these may be detected when a woman has a routine Pap smear.
Is Cervical Cancer Contagious? No, it is not cervical cancer that is contagious but the HPV sexually transmitted virus that causes it. Though all people suffering from the human papillomavirus do not obtain cervical cancer. Did you know that 50 percent of the population will have some kind of HPV virus in their lifetime?
What are the Symptoms or Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer symptoms often go unnoticed as women pass them off as PMS or ovulation pains and sometimes it has no symptoms at all. Some symptoms are: Abnormal bleeding, unusual heavy discharge, pelvic pain, pain during urination and bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse, douching or pelvic exam.
How is the Disease Currently Treated? Usually the woman is referred to a specialist gynaecologist for advanced assessment. The treatment then usually involves surgery to remove the cancer and/or radiotheraphy and, depending on the size of the tumor, additional chemotherapy. If detected early, cervical cancer can be treated, but as with any medical condition prevention or early detection is always best if it is available.
Is Immunisation Against Cervical Cancer Possible? Yes, it is now possible to obtain vaccination which protects against 80 percent of cervical cancer cases. The government funds for these vaccinations free to 12-13 year old girls. To all other woman up to the age of 45 the vaccination is available as a script. Though it covers most the vaccination doesn’t protect against all the HPV viruses that cause cervical cancer so it is still important for women to get regular pap smears.
What is the Chance of Recovering from Cervical Cancer? Not all cervical cancer responds to radiation therapy. In addition, disease returns in approximately onethird of all women treated for advanced cancer, usually within 2 years after therapy. Recurring cancer after treatment with radiation is most commonly found in the cervix, the uterus, upper vagina, and the pelvic wall. Cancer that returns after hysterectomy usually is found in the upper part of the vagina, where the cervix used to be located. Much like most cancer the best chance of recovery is early detection. The earlier the detection the more likely of a full recovery.
Is Cervical Cancer Common in Australia? Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, and the 13th most common cancer in women in Australia. But regular Pap smears and a new vaccine can prevent many cases. At the moment, one in every 183 Australian women will develop cervical cancer by the age of 75.
In 2005, cervical cancer accounted for 221 Australian deaths Did You Know? In 2005, there were 734 cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Australia, accounting for 1.7% of all female cancer cases In 2005, cervical cancer accounted for 221 Australian deaths The average risk of being diagnosed with cancer of the cervix before the age of 75 years is one in 198 In 2005, the age standardised incidence rate of cervical cancer was 6.9 per 100 000 women
Bibliography www.cervicalcancer.com.au www.wisegeek.com www.cancer.about.com www.abc.net.au/health/ By Ashley Coleman