Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is a cancer which begins in the lining of the
cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, which connects
the body of the uterus to the vagina.

DESCRIPTION

Cervical Cancer is usually diagnosed in middle aged women, but
it may occur in women as young as 20. It is directly related to
sexual activity. Cervical Cancer does not occur in virgins. It is
the eighth most common cancer affecting women. Cervical Cancer is
most common in women from ethnic minorities and low-income
backgrounds. 

Cervical Cancer does not develop quickly. The affected cells take
years to develop into cancer. Cervical cells that have begun to
show changes, but are not yet cancerous, may be called
pre-cancerous cells, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) or
Cervical Dysplasia. These pre-cancerous cells do not display any
symptoms. More than 90% of pre-cancerous cells can be detected by a
simple procedure known as a Pap Smear, making Cervical Cancer
highly preventable. Every women who has ever had sex should have a
Pap Smear every 2 years, even if she has only had one partner or
does no longer have sex.

CAUSE

The risk factors for Cervical Cancer include:

• Age at first intercourse. The younger the woman, the greater
  the risk.
• Multiple sexual partners.
• Sexual relations with a man who has had multiple partners.
• Infection with the human papilloma virus, which causes genital
  warts. About 80% of sexually active women will contract the virus
  during their lives, but not all of these will develop cervical
  changes.
• Smoking.
• The oral contraceptive pill may be associated with a higher
  risk of human papilloma virus.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Cervical Dysplasia does not cause any symptoms and can only be
detected through microscopic examination of the cells, following a
Pap smear. Once Cervical Cancer has developed, the following
symptoms may occur:

• Irregular vaginal bleeding, usually after intercourse. This may
  be mistaken for menstruation or breakthrough bleeding in women on
  the oral contraceptive pill.
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge, as the cancer begins to
  destroy the healthy tissues.
• Pelvic pain, lower back pain and pain in the buttocks and upper
  legs may occur.
• In extensive cancers, problems may develop as the cancer
  spreads to surrounding organs. This may include urinary or bowel
  incontinence, significant vaginal bleeding, swollen legs and kidney
  failure.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Always consult your Doctor for diagnosis and advice. In no way
is this information intended to replace the advice of a medical
practitioner.

• For the management of pre-cancerous changes, see the Cervical
  Dysplasia topic on the Healthpoint. Cervical Dysplasia is usually
  easily treatable and will not affect a woman’s ability to become
  pregnant or have children.
• All women who have ever had sex should have a Pap smear every
  two years. Women who have had a previous abnormal smear, may be
  required to have smears more often.
• Cervical Cancer will require management by a team of
  specialists in gynaecological cancers. Treatment generally involves
  a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. See the
  hysterectomy, Cancer – Chemotherapy and Cancer – Radiotherapy
  topics on the Healthpoint for information.

DIET HINTS

The European Prospective Investigation of Cancer (EPIC) is a
long-term, large-scale study of the influence of diet on cancer in
humans. The EPIC results recommend that people lose weight if
overweight or obese and have a diet that is:

• High in fruits and vegetables.
• High in fibre.
• Low in red or processed meats.
• Low in saturated fat.

 

Evidence suggests that natural substances found in cruciferous
vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and
cabbage may lower overall cancer risk. Other cruciferous vegetables
include rocket, watercress, garden cress, kale, bok choy, radish,
horseradish and wasabi.

 

• For information regarding diet hints during cancer therapy,
  please refer to the Cancer – Chemotherapy and Cancer – Radiotherapy
  topics on the Healthpoint.

PREVENTION

Gardasil is the name given to the vaccine that immunises
females and males against the sexually transmitted disease, human
papillomavirus (HPV) Types 6, 11, 16 and 18. These strains of HPV
are known to cause 7 out of 10 cervical cancers in women and 9 out
of 10 cases of genital warts in both men and women.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Always consult your Doctor before taking any dietary
supplements for advice on any possible side effects or drug
interactions. This is particularly important during cancer therapy,
as many chemotherapy drugs act by blocking the effects of certain
vitamins.

• The antioxidant lycopene may provide protection against cancer
  of the cervix.
• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may help to fight
  cervical cancer by protecting healthy cells from free radical
  damage and inhibiting the proliferation of cancerous cells. Vitamin
  C when combined with Vitamin E may assisting in prolonging survival
  in cancer patients..
• Vitamin E may assist in decreasing the rate of invasive cancer.
  Low levels of vitamin E are often found at every stage of cervical
  cancer. The more progressed the cancer, often the lower the tissue
  amounts of Vitamin E present. In these cases Vitamin E
  supplementation may be beneficial.

 

See the Australian Cancer Society topic on the
Healthpoint.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

1. The contraceptive pill is associated with a higher risk of
   Cervical Cancer. Ask your Pharmacist about alternative methods of
   contraception.
2. Condoms can help reduce the risk of human papilloma virus and
   genital warts.
3. Have a pap smear every two years and more often if you have had
   an abnormal smear before.
4. Anti-smoking products can help reduce cravings when quitting
   smoking. Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
5. Pain relief may be required if cancer is present. Ask your
   Pharmacist for advice.
6. Hot packs over the pelvic region can reduce pain.