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The Lion King | 35
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (hu-
man papilloma virus). HPV is a common virus that
is spread through sexual intercourse. A woman’s
sexual habits and patterns can increase her risk of
developing cervical cancer.
Risky sexual practices include:
• Having sex at an early age
• Having multiple sexual partners who may be
active in high-risk sexual activities
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
• Early sexual intercourse < 18yrs and early child
bearing < 17yrs
• Unhealthy sex life (2 or more sexual partners)
• Weakened immune system (HIV, TB, OTHER
CANCERS)
• Low economic status
• History of sexually transmitted disease including
human papillomavirus infection (HPV)
• Sexually active female >35 yrs who do not screen
regularly
• Not getting the HPV vaccine
SYMPTOMS
Most of the time, early cervical cancer has no
symptoms. Symptoms that may occur include:
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods,
after intercourse, or after menopause
• Vaginal discharge that does not stop, and
may be pale, watery, pink, brown, bloody, or
foul-smelling
• Periods that become heavier and last longer
than usual
Cervical cancer may spread to the bladder, intes-
tines, lungs, and liver. Often there are no problems
until the cancer is advanced and has spread. Symp-
toms of advanced cervical cancer may include:
• Back pain
• Bone pain or fractures
• Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
• Leg and pelvic pain
• Single swollen leg
• Weight loss
SIGNS AND TESTS
Precancerous changes of the cervix and cervical
cancer cannot be seen with the naked eye. Special
tests and tools are needed to spot such conditions.
• Pap smears screen for precancers and cancer,
but do not make a final diagnosis.
• If abnormal changes are found, the cervix is
usually examined under magnification. Pieces of
tissue are surgically removed (biopsied) during
this procedure. The tissue is sent to a laboratory
for examination.
TREATMENT
Treatment of cervical cancer depends on:
• The stage of the cancer
• The size and shape of the tumor
• The woman’s age and general health
• Her desire to have children in the future
Early cervical cancer can be cured by removing
or destroying the precancerous or cancerous
tissue. There are various surgical ways to do this
without removing the uterus or damaging the
cervix, so that a woman can still have children in
the future.
Types of surgery for early cervical cancer in-
clude:
• Cryotherapy -- freezes abnormal cells
• Laser therapy -- uses light to burn abnormal
tissue
Treatment for more advanced cervical cancer
may include:
• Radical hysterectomy, which removes the
uterus and much of the surrounding tissues,
including lymph nodes and the upper part of
the vagina.
• Radiation may be used to treat cancer that
has spread beyond the cervix or cancer that
has returned.
• Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer.
PREVENTION
Cervical cancer can be prevented by doing the
following:
• HPV vaccinination.
• Practice safer sex. Using condoms during sex
reduces the risk of HPV and other sexually
transmitted infections. Limit the number of
sexual partners you have.
• Get regular Pap smears as often as your
health care provider recommends.
Health Tips