What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer

Pharmacist Kelly Bailey
12 minutes ago
4 min read

Cervical cancer is a chronic condition that affects thousands of women around the world each year. It is a common condition we hear about, but don’t always know much beyond its name. Though it is a serious condition, it is also one of the most preventable cancers out there.

With early detection and simple prevention steps, it can make a huge difference long before any problems arise. By staying aware of the symptoms and taking advantage of regular screenings, women can reduce the impact of cervical cancer and become more in control of their health.

What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer, woman holding teal ribbon

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer starts as a growth of cells that develop within the cervix, which is located at the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.¹ The cells that grow determine which type of cervical cancer can develop. Sometimes, though, both cells are involved in cervical cancer cases.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

This type of cancer starts as thin, flat cells, which are called squamous cells. These cells line the outer part of the cervix. Squamous cell carcinomas account for 80% to 90% of cervical cancers.

Adenocarcinomas

This type begins with the column-shaped gland cells that line the cervical canal and account for 10% to 20% of cervical cancers.²

What Are the Risk Factors?

Now, some risk factors can increase your likelihood of contracting cervical cancer, but they can always be discussed with your healthcare team.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection

The first and most common risk factor for cervical cancer is getting HPV. HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses, and some can cause a growth called papilloma, better known as warts. HPV can be contracted during skin-to-skin contact, often spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and even oral sex.³

Smoking

Smoking is a factor that leads to a multitude of cancers, both for those who smoke and those exposed to the chemicals around them. Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who do not, with tobacco by-products having been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. These substances can damage the DNA of cervical cells and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.⁴

Weakened Immune System

Your immune system is important when battling any type of infection, as it works to slow the spread of sickness. If you have a disease such as HIV, are on drugs that suppress immune response, or have had an organ transplant, you are more likely to develop cervical pre-cancer into an invasive cancer, faster than normal.

Family History

Certain types of cancer can develop within a family, including cervical cancer. If your mother or sister has had cervical cancer, your chances of developing the disease are higher than if you do not have a family history.

What are the Symptoms to Look For?

Often, many women with early-stage cervical cancer do not have symptoms, as symptoms don’t appear until the cancer has grown larger and into nearby tissue.⁵ But the potential signs to look for are:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, after menopause, between periods, or having menstrual periods that are longer or heavier than usual.
An unusual discharge from the vagina, with the discharge often containing some blood and occurring between your periods or after menopause.
Pain during sex.
Pain in the pelvic region.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?

There are ways to help further prevent cervical cancer, with the first one being receiving your HPV Vaccine from your healthcare team.

The CDC recommends that children receive 2 doses of the HPV vaccine at 6 to 12 months apart for children between the ages of 11 and 12. These vaccines can start at age 9, but people can be approved for individuals up to the age of 26. The CDC does not have recommendations for receiving the vaccine past the age of 26.⁶

Another way to prevent cervical cancer is by practicing safe sex, which means utilizing condoms during sex. The HPV infection can still occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered by a latex condom, as well as areas that are not covered. Condom use regularly has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer overall.⁷

The final way to prevent cervical cancer is to make sure that you’re up to date on all screenings, such as the HPV test and PAP smears. The CDC recommends that individuals aged 21 to 29 years old receive their PAP smear every three years, individuals aged 30 to 65 years old receive their PAP every three years on its own, or every five years with a PAP/HPV co-test. Then, after age 65 and older, no pap smears are necessary, especially if you’ve had three normal PAP test results in a row within the previous ten years.⁸

As we’ve read, cervical cancer is treatable and largely preventable when it’s caught early, which is why regular Pap and HPV screenings, HPV vaccines, and staying mindful of symptoms all play a major role in reducing your risk. These small and consistent steps can make a life-changing difference in your health.

If you haven’t already, schedule your next screening, check your vaccination status, and reach out to your healthcare team if anything seems off to you. So, take these simple and easy steps today, since you are in charge of your own health.