Cervical cancer: What you should know?

By Sheena Shafia

Jade Goody, the reality television star who lived and died before the arch lights, can be credited with bringing into focus the threat of cervical cancer in Britain. Goody died of cervical cancer at the age of 27. Following her death, the number of women going for a cervical smear test in Britain shot up considerably. In India, we may know more about Goody than about cervical cancer. This, despite the fact, that cervical cancer is the most common form of cancer found among Indian women. HNN brings you some details about the disease and what you should do to prevent it.

What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cells in the lining of the cervix. Cervical cancer does not form suddenly. Over time normal cervical cells can change slowly and turn into cancer cells.

Where is my cervix?
The cervix is found in the lower part or neck of the womb (uterus). It leads into the vagina. A small opening in the cervix also leads to the main part of your womb.

How common is cervical cancer in India?
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women. According to WHO estimates, every year 1,32,082 women are diagnosed with cancer and 74,118 women die from this disease.

How does cervical cancer develop?
95% of cervical cancer develops because of infection with high risk human papilloma virus (HPV). When HPV infection does not clear on its own, it makes the cells abnormal which over a period of time become cancerous.

What are the risk factors?
Risk factors include: Infection with human papilloma virus. Sexual intercourse from an early age, many pregnancies, multiple sexual partners, smoking are some of the main causes.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
The symptoms include bleeding after sex, increased vaginal discharge, irregular bleeding (between periods or after the menopause), painful sex (though it is not a common symptom). If you develop any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Can we reduce my risk of getting cervical cancer?
Yes, you can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by, having regular smear tests every 3-5 years to pick up early problems, by getting vaccinated against HPV infection, giving up smoking and using condoms for intercourse among others.

What is a cervical smear test?
A smear test is to see if a woman's cervix is healthy or not. It is not a test for cancer but for preventing cancer. The test looks for early changes in the cells of the cervix. If these changes are not found and treated, they might become cancer cells.

Who should have a smear test?
All women who have been sexually active should have a smear test every 3 to 5 years. You should start just before your 25th birthday and continue until you are at least 60 years old. Women who stop having babies should not stop having smear test.

When is the best time to have cervical smear?
The best time to have your smear test is halfway through your cycle or about 2 weeks after your periods (if you are having periods).

Where can I get a cervical smear done?
The test can be done at the Well Woman centre or gyneacology clinics at hospitals.

What if my smear results are abnormal?
If you get an abnormal smear test, don't panic. Some small changes in cells can settle and you may be advised to have another smear. Other abnormalities and changes might need more tests and you may need to visit a colposcopy clinic at the hospital. A colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a bright light and a microscope. A sample of the cells may also be taken. During the exam you may be given suitable treatment if needed.

What are the alternatives for cervical smear?
Ask your doctor for visual inspection of cervix with acetic acid or lugol's (VIA), (VILI). If these tests are abnormal your doctor can refer you for further management. Alternatively you can also get HPV - DNA test done.

Remember
- Most smear test results are normal
- Not all women detected with an abnormal smear have cervical cancer
- One smear test is never enough. It should be done every 3-5 years
- The earlier a change is found, the easier it is to treat
- Get vaccinated against HPV to prevent your self from having cervical cancer