Cervical Cancer: A Silent Threat We Can Defeat

 Cervical Cancer: A Silent Threat We Can Defeat

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it still takes the lives of thousands of women every year. With the right knowledge, vaccination, screening, and timely treatment, this disease can be eliminated from our communities. In this blog, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of cervical cancer in a simple, reader-friendly way.

Why Cervical Cancer Matters

· Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.

· In 2022 alone, there were around 660,000 new cases and nearly 350,000 deaths.

· Sadly, most deaths happen in low- and middle-income countries where access to vaccination, screening, and treatment is limited.

· Women living with HIV face six times higher risk of developing cervical cancer compared to others.

The good news? Cervical cancer can be prevented and even cured if detected early.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

The main culprit is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common sexually transmitted infection.

· Almost all sexually active people get HPV at some point.

· Most of the time, the body’s immune system clears it naturally.

· But if high-risk HPV types persist, they can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells.

· Over time (10–20 years, or even faster in women with weak immunity), these changes can develop into cancer.

Risk factors include:

· Having HIV or a weakened immune system

· Multiple pregnancies or early pregnancy

· Long-term use of hormonal contraceptives

· Smoking

· Other sexually transmitted infections

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Cervical cancer often develops silently, but there are warning signs:

· Unusual bleeding (between periods, after sex, or after menopause)

· Foul-smelling or heavy vaginal discharge

· Persistent back, leg, or pelvic pain

· Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or loss of appetite

· Swelling in the legs

· Vaginal discomfort or pain during sex

If you notice these symptoms, don’t delay—see a doctor immediately.

Prevention: Stopping Cancer Before It Starts

The best way to fight cervical cancer is through prevention. Here are three key steps:

1. HPV Vaccination

· Vaccination between ages 9–14 years provides the strongest protection.

· The vaccine works best before sexual activity begins.

· Both girls and boys can benefit from the vaccine, though girls remain the priority.

· Depending on health status, 1–3 doses may be needed.

2. Regular Screening

Even if you are vaccinated, screening is vital.

· Women should start screening at 30 years (or 25 years if living with HIV).

· Screenings are usually repeated every 3–10 years, depending on age and health status.

· HPV tests or Pap smears can detect abnormal cells early, before they turn cancerous.

· Self-sampling for HPV testing is becoming a trusted option in many countries.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices

· Quit smoking or avoid starting

· Practice safe sex (condoms, voluntary male circumcision)

· Maintain a strong immune system with good nutrition and regular health check-ups

Treatment of Precancer and Cancer

If screening shows abnormal or precancerous cells, simple outpatient treatments can stop them from turning into cancer. These include:

· Thermal ablation (burning off abnormal cells with heat)

· Cryotherapy (freezing abnormal cells)

· LEEP/LEETZ (removing cells with an electric loop)

· Cone biopsy (removing a small cone-shaped piece of tissue)

These procedures are generally safe, quick, and effective.

For women already diagnosed with cervical cancer, treatment depends on the stage:

· Early-stage cancer: Surgery to remove affected tissue or uterus (hysterectomy)

· Advanced stages: A combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and sometimes surgery

· Palliative care: Focused on pain relief and emotional support when cure is not possible

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The Global Mission to Eliminate Cervical Cancer

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious targets to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030:

· 90% of girls vaccinated against HPV by age 15

· 70% of women screened with a high-quality test by ages 35 and 45

· 90% of women diagnosed with cervical disease treated

If the world achieves these goals, millions of lives can be saved. Estimates suggest that by 2120, 62 million deaths could be prevented.

Why Awareness Matters

Cervical cancer is not just a medical issue—it’s a social and economic one. When a mother dies young from cervical cancer, families and children face lifelong challenges. In fact, studies show that 1 in 5 children who lose a mother to cancer lose her to cervical cancer.

By spreading awareness, encouraging vaccination, and supporting women to get screened, we can protect future generations.

Final Thoughts

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers we can truly eliminate with existing tools—vaccines, screening, and timely treatment.

· If you are a parent, make sure your daughters (and sons, if possible) receive the HPV vaccine at the right age.

· If you are a woman above 25–30, schedule regular screenings—even if you feel healthy.

· And if you notice unusual symptoms, don’t ignore them. Early action saves lives.

Together, with awareness, healthcare access, and compassion, we can create a world where no woman dies from cervical cancer.

 

�� Takeaway: Cervical cancer is preventable, treatable, and curable when caught early. Protect yourself and your loved ones through vaccination, regular check-ups, and healthy living.