Causes, symptoms, prevention and screening methods for cervical cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer: Chronic pelvic or lower back pain, blood in urine or stool, and symptoms based on metastasis, such as persistent coughing, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss are some of the symptoms of advanced stages of cervical cancer (Image: Canva)

Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is mainly caused by long-term infection with certain types of HPV. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably on the cervix, usually caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). This cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages, making regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests essential.

Cervical cancer is a significant health issue in India, being the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, says Dr Vandana Jain, Senior Consultant & Head of Gynaecologic Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC). “According to the IARC report, India had over 14.13 lakh new cancer cases and 9.16 lakh deaths in 2024, with 79,906 women dying from cervical cancer in 2022. Early detection is crucial, as survival rates improve dramatically with timely diagnosis—surgery can achieve cure rates of 85-90 percent in early stages. The challenge with cervical cancer is that it may be asymptomatic in its early stages,” she adds.

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Dr Jain shares the symptoms of cervical cancer, and suggests ways it can be prevented:

Symptoms and signs:

In the early stages, cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms, but some women might experience subtle signs like abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after intercourse, or post-menopause), heavier or prolonged menstrual cycles, or unusual discharge that is watery or foul-smelling. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms can appear, including chronic pelvic or lower back pain, blood in urine or stool (indicating possible spread to the bladder or rectum), and symptoms based on metastasis, such as persistent coughing, bone pain, or unexplained weight loss.

Preventive measures for cervical cancer: Preventing cervical cancer involves adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding smoking, maintaining good hygiene, and practicing safe sexual behaviour to boost immunity. Regular screenings, especially through mobile units in underserved areas, can help detect early signs of the disease. Additionally, HPV vaccination for girls and boys, ideally between 9-12 years of age, offers protection against high-risk HPV strains and is a key step in reducing the risk of cervical cancer.

Also read | Pap smear: Essential test for early cervical cancer detection and prevention

Cervical cancer screening methods:

Pap smear test: A Pap smear involves collecting cervical cells to identify abnormal changes, often precursors to cervical cancer. It is a widely accepted screening method with reasonably good sensitivity and specificity for detecting early-stage cancer.

HPV testing: HPV testing involves detecting high-risk HPV types in cervico-vaginal samples through molecular techniques, identifying women at increased risk for developing cervical cancer. It can be conducted by healthcare workers or even self-collected at home.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA): VIA is an affordable test where a small amount of (3 percent to 5 percent) acetic acid is applied to the cervix to spot abnormal areas, which can then be biopsied. It is a good option for low-resource settings. Women should begin regular cervical cancer screening with a Pap smear at age 21For those over 30, it’s recommended to have a Pap smear and HPV test together or an HPV test alone every five years. Getting the HPV vaccine greatly reduces the risk of cancers caused by HPV, including cervical, oral, anal, and penile cancers. Adding the HPV vaccine to healthcare programs can lower the rates of these cancers and reduce the strain on healthcare resources.

Also read | Cervical Cancer in Young Women: Risks and Early Detection

Treatment:

Surgery is the most effective treatment in the early stages. “As the cancer advances, treatment becomes more complex and less effective. In later stages, chemoradiation (a combination of external radiation, brachytherapy, and chemotherapy) is the primary treatment, with a survival rate of 50-60 percent,” suggests Dr Jain, adding, “Early detection and timely treatment of cervical cancer is crucial for improving survival outcomes. Vaccination, regular screening and awareness of early symptoms can help detect the disease before it advances, significantly reducing the risk of complications.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.