Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, according to statistics from the World Health Organization.
Dr. Owen Heath, a consultant in gynecological oncology surgery at Cleveland Clinic in the United States, clarified that the primary cause of cervical cancer lies in infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
He stated that the good news is that cervical cancer is preventable, and the chances of treating it are very high, especially when it is diagnosed in its early stages.
Heath pointed out that with the availability of vaccination against HPV and the capability to remove abnormal cells before the development of cancerous lesions, cervical cancer could become a disease of the past for future generations.
Regular Screenings
Dr. Heath emphasized the importance of combining vaccination against HPV with regular screenings to eliminate cervical cancer.
Despite studies conducted in both the United Kingdom and Australia highlighting the effectiveness of HPV vaccination programs in reducing cervical cancer rates and pre-cancer symptoms, there is still a need for more research in this context.
Regular screening is crucial for individuals who may choose not to get vaccinated or in countries where the vaccine does not cover all high-risk types of the virus. In very rare cases, cervical cancer can develop without being directly associated with HPV, says Heath.
Heath explained that cervical cancer could develop slowly, as pre-cancerous cells turn into cancer cells over the years, making regular screening important. Although health guidelines vary from country to country, he recommends that women undergo screenings at a frequency that fits their specific risk factors.
He also mentioned that women over the age of 65 could stop regular screenings if their previous results were normal. However, given the possibility of cervical cancer developing at any age, it is important to consult a specialist if symptoms of gynecological diseases appear.
Cervical Smear
Dr. Heath continued to explain that the current common practice for regular screening includes an HPV test and a cervical smear, where a sample from the cervix is analyzed for the presence of any high-risk subtypes of the virus. If present, the cells in the sample are examined for any defects or abnormalities.
If a woman is found to have a high-risk type of HPV, she should monitor her condition carefully through annual screenings. Heath mentioned, “The body’s immune system typically eliminates the infection in most cases, but if it persists, it can cause abnormalities in cervical cells that, if left untreated, could develop into cervical cancer.”
He added, “If there is evidence of persistent HPV infection or any abnormalities in the cells, a detailed cervical examination known as colposcopy should be conducted—a quick and effective means for accurate diagnosis. Pre-cancerous areas on the cervix can be treated at the same time by removing these cells.”
Surgical Excision
Dr. Heath clarified that surgical removal of cancerous cells is very successful if cervical cancer is diagnosed at an early stage.
He added that fertility-preserving procedures such as removal of the cervix while keeping the uterus can be applied at this stage. However, advanced stages of cancer are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
