How much do you actually know about the causes, symptoms and treatment of cervical cancer? We at ScreenMe are here to answer all of these questions, so that you know when exactly to seek further support.
What is the cervix exactly?
The cervix is the opening between the vagina and the uterus, sometimes being referred to as the ‘neck of the womb’.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that is found anywhere in the cervix. There are 2 main types of cervical cancer.
- Squamous cell cancer
- 70% - 80% of cervical cancers are squamous cell cancers
- Squamous cells cover the outer surface of the cervix.
- Adenocarcinoma cancer
- 20% - 30% of cervical cancers are adenocarcinomas
- The cervix has glandular cells that run along the passage from the cervix to the uterus, and produce mucus. When these become cancerous, it is adenocarcinoma cancer.
- Lymphomas & sarcomas cancer
- These cancers are much rarer, and are treated differently to other types of cervical cancers.
What causes cervical cancer?
The main risk factors are:
- HPV
- Most cervical cancers are caused by an infection from certain forms of the HPV (human papilloma virus). See our other blog on HPV for more information on this.
- Family
- If you have a family history of cervical cancer, then you are more likely to get cervical cancer.
- Other cancer
- If you have had other cancers of the reproductive system, then it is more likely that you will get cervical cancer.
- Age
- The older you are the more likely you are to have any form of cancer.
- Smoking
- Smoking tobacco is a risk factor in cervical cancer, as well as many other cancers.
- Contraceptive pill
- 10% of cervical cancer cases are linked to taking to contraceptive pill.
- This increased risk falls once you stop taking the pill.
- Having children
- If you have had children, you are at a slightly higher risk of cervical cancer than if you have not.
Symptoms
- Unusual vaginal bleeding – such as heavier periods than normal, bleeding during of after sex, or bleeding between your periods
- Pain during sex
- Unusual changes to your vaginal discharge
- Pain in your lower back, your pelvic, or in the lower tummy
What else could these symptoms be?
If you have these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cervical cancer. While we recommend that you speak to a doctor and get checked, these symptoms may also be due to:
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- PCOS
- Pregnancy
- Hormonal changes
- Contraception
How do I check for it?
Cervical screening is the best way to check if you have cervical cancer. This is not something you should be scared about, and check out our blog on cervical screening to answer any questions that you may have around this!
If you are worried about having cervical cancer, do not stress – many women experience these symptoms without having cervical cancer. This is why it is important you speak to a healthcare professional, so that you can determine the root cause of these changes and take the appropriate steps to manage this. This will allow you to get the help and support you need to stay healthy.
