Women's Health Journey

Cervical cancer

Cervical Cancer Causes

Almost all cervical cancers cases occur in woman who have been previously affected with HPV. HPV is group of viruses. Which are spread by sexual intercourse and other types of sexual activity. There are low risk types which are only linked with warts and there are high risk types which are strongly linked to cervical cancers. In most people the body can clear the infection itself. But in some it stays longer and causes chronic disease, which is longstanding disease. It is only the long standing disease with high risk types which causes cell changes called mutations. Mutations cause cell to grow abnormally rather than dying at genetically determined set rate. This abnormal cell growing at abnormal rate without dying leads to cervical cancer.

Staging of cervical cancer

Once someone is been diagnosed having cervical cancer, they have further tests to determine the extent (stage) of their cancer. Cancer’s stage is a key factor in deciding on the treatment.

Staging exams include:

Imaging tests. – X-ray, CT, – MRI and – positron emission tomography (PET)

Visual examination of your bladder and rectum. Doctor will see inside urinary bladder and rectum with special scopes to determine the satge.

Staging in simple words

– Early-stage cervical cancer includes stages 1A to 1B1.

– Locally advanced cervical cancer usually includes stages 1B2 to 4A.

– Advanced-stage or metastatic cervical cancer usually means stage 4B

Risk factors for cervical cancers

Having a risk factor can increase the risk of having cervical cancer, but not necessarily translates into having a disease.

We should try to avoid or change avoidable risk factors which are known to cause cervical cancer.

– HPV is the most importantly linked in causation of cervical cancer. HPV and the factors which increase acquisition of HPV are also known as risk factors of cervical factors like early sex, promiscuity.

– Smoking

– Longterm use of OCPs, specially more than 5 years

– Having a weak immune system like HIV

– Having a sexually transmitted disease

Diet that protects against cervical cancer

There are no specific diet or supplements which can specifically protects against cervical cancer. But there are growing evidence that lifestyle has impact on risk of having any cancer generally, which includes diet too. So in general having more portions of fruits and vegetables, replacing refined or processed grain with whole grain, cutting down red meat, avoiding alcohol and keeping BMI within normal range by healthy portion control has effect on overall health including decreasing the risk of any cancer including cervical cancer.

Relationship of cervical cancer and breast cancer

There is no direct relationship between cervical cancer and breast cancer.

But initial reports are that HPV may be implicated in some types of breast cancer.

But female with cervical cancer are not at increased risk of breast cancer.

Post Categories

Dr. Bushra Gul is a highly esteemed obstetrician and gynecologist with an impressive twenty-four years of experience.

Quick Links

Services

Get In Touch

Saudi German Hospital
Dubai United Arab Emirates

Phone :

Email :