Cervical Cancer: What You Should Know

Author: Aminath Yanaal Mahmood

---

Cervical cancer- caused by invasive growth of cells in the cervix lining- is the 4th leading category of cancer among Malaysians as of 2023, with 1740 women reported to have been diagnosed- among which were 991 mortalities. Though most rapidly seen in low and middle-income countries with a lack of facilities for the detection and prevention of cancer, it has remained a type of cancer that is undetected in most cases till the later stages as it can take up to decades for the cancer to develop. 

Image by News Medical

The month of January is pronounced as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month as an occasion to raise awareness and strengthen the efforts to eradicate cervical cancer on a global scale. So what are the causes of cervical cancer, and what are the measures that you could take to protect yourself from it? 

Causes and risk factors 

HPV virus illustrated by Ontario Institute for Cancer Research

The dominating cause of cervical cancer is the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which can affect nearly all sexually active individuals as it transmits through sexual and skin-to-skin contact. The human body can generally treat itself from HPV on its own, though in rare cases the infection can persist into cancer. Around 70% is caused by HPV-16 or HPV-18 strains of the virus, placing them under the high-risk category for cervical cancer. 

Other HPV-unrelated risk factors can include contracting other Sexually Transmitted Infections, smoking and passive smoking, having a weak immune system, and exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) medication in the mother’s womb. 

Symptoms 

Cervical cancer usually does not show strong symptoms in the early stages, though there are some things that an individual could keep a look out for:

• Spotting between periods

• Heavier or longer menstrual periods

• Pain during intercourse

• Bleeding after intercourse

• Changes in vaginal discharge 

It is important to remember that other health conditions could potentially cause these symptoms. If they persist, it is best to consult a health professional. 

Prevention 

Due to the asymptomatic nature of precancerous cervical cells, preventive measures are essential for the early detection of the cancer. This can be done with the practice of a few steps:

Prevention methods illustrated by InviTRA

• Ensure that you are vaccinated against HPV: vaccination at the age of 9-14 is the most effective prevention of HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. 

• Practice safe sex: using protection during sexual contact can decrease your risk of contracting HPV or other sexually transmitted infections that can put you at risk for cervical cancer. 

• Regular Pap and HPV tests: Pap tests are better to be taken every 1-2 years along with HPV screening so that any abnormal results can be tested for cancer right away. 

Malaysia has just recently passed a landmark achievement in the complete removal of Cervical Cancer through the ROSE (Removing Obstacles to Cervical Screening) foundation which was established in 2019, with the operation of colonoscopy services in Sarawak. They are presently operating in 12 states and span over 200 community locations in their efforts to increase the accessibility of HPV testing in Malaysia.

In light of cervical cancer awareness month, let us do our best to see a cancer-free tomorrow!

references/ sources

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12216-cervical-cancer 

2. https://www.healthline.com/health/cervical-cancer

3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer 

4. https://hpvcentre.net/statistics/reports/MYS_FS.pdf (Malaysia statistics- HPV information center)

5. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2023/11/17/default-calendar/marking-a-milestone-on-the-path-to-eliminating-cervical-cancer-in-malaysia 

6. https://www.apffelstaedt-hoosain.com/cervical-cancer-screening-should-be-an-ongoing-conversation/