Cervical cancer is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and starts with the cells located on the surface of the cervix before spreading to other areas. Previously, it was one of the significant causes of death in American women. However, that has changed thanks to the availability of screening tests. Its symptoms include frequent urination, pain when urinating, abnormal vaginal discharge, unusual bleeding, and pain in the pelvis. While there are several ways to prevent and treat cervical cancer, these are the main methods:
1. Regular screenings
Medical professionals conduct screening tests to detect pre-cancers and conditions that may cause the disease before they become cancer. They do the screening through HPV or Pap tests. Both tests are conducted similarly. The health expert scrapes the cervix gently using a unique tool to get some cells for testing. If the doctor finds the cells precancerous, they can treat it to prevent it from becoming cervical cancer. The healthcare provider will explain your screen results in detail and the next steps you should take to avoid the severity of the condition or continue having a healthy life.
2. Get the HPV vaccine
HPV vaccines protect young adults and children against some HPV infections. They only prevent infections but don’t treat existing ones. That’s why HPV vaccines are more effective on people who aren’t exposed to HPV, such as through sexual activities. The vaccines prevent cervical cancer and other cancer types. HPV vaccines involve several injections, with mild side effects such as redness and swelling in the injected area. Since no vaccine offers total protection against all cancers caused by HPV, you need to go for routine cervical screening.
3. Radiation therapy
It kills cancer cells using powerful energy beams such as protons or x-rays. Usually, healthcare specialists combine the technique with chemotherapy. They can also use it after surgery if there are high chances of cancer recurring. Patients can get external or internal beam radiation therapy or both. External beam involves directing the beam to the affected area, while internal beam is placing the radioactive device inside the vagina for a few minutes.
4. Chemotherapy
The procedure kills cancer cells through medications. Doctors can administer it through pills, veins, or both. Patients with advanced cervical cancer get a combination of low chemotherapy and radiation therapy dosages. However, doctors recommend high doses of chemo to control progressive cancer symptoms.
5. Radical hysterectomy
A radical hysterectomy is an operation to remove the womb, which doctors recommend to make sure they get rid of all cancer. Medical professionals perform surgery on patients with stage 1 or 2A cervical cancer.
6. Radical trachelectomy
Radical trachelectomy is a surgery to remove the cervix and the upper vagina. The doctors leave the womb untouched so patients may have babies after the operation. Healthcare experts recommend the surgery for stage one cervical cancer patients.
Women of all ages should go for regular cervical cancer screenings to find out if they have any pre-cancerous cells. Healthcare providers take them through the process and if they find cancer cells in the patients, they recommend the best treatment depending on the stage, area affected, size, and type of cancer.