CERVIX CANCER

General Information

DEFINITION--A common but treatable cancer of the female reproductive system.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Cervix (the lower third of the uterus, which opens into the vagina).

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Women of all ages, but most common between ages 30 and 50.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

In the early, easily treatable stages:

• No symptoms.

In later stages:

• Unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Persistent vaginal discharge.
• Pain and bleeding after intercourse.

In final stages:

• Abdominal pain.
• Leaking of feces and urine through the vagina.
• Appetite and weight loss.
• Anemia.

CAUSES--Unknown. Probably related to viral infections, including human papilloma virus.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Early age of first intercourse.
• Multiple sex partners.
• Multiple pregnancies.
• Human papilloma virus infection (genital warts).
• Recurrent vaginal infections (bacterial or viral, including genital herpes and genital warts).
• Smoking.

HOW TO PREVENT

• Avoid the risks listed above as much as possible.
• Begin medical pelvic examinations at age 18 or at the beginning of regular sexual activity.
• Obtain regular Pap smears (See Glossary). Regular pelvic examinations and the Pap smear are very effective in detecting precancerous changes or cervical cancer in its symptom-free stage. Consult your doctor, Planned Parenthood or the public health department about how often to be examined. Many public agencies will perform a Pap smear at little or no cost to you.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms, especially unexplained vaginal bleeding.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory studies, such as a Pap smear and biopsy (See Glossary).
• Surgical diagnostic procedures, such as conization of the cervix (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Doctor's treatment.
• Surgery to remove the cancerous area. During early stages, this may only involve a small area of the cervix, which preserves childbearing abilities. More advanced stages may require removal of the reproductive organs and other affected tissue (see Hysterectomy in Surgery section).
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy (advanced cancer).

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--If cervical cancer is not treated early, it spreads beyond the uterus to other body parts--leading to death.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Usually curable if diagnosed before the tumor has spread.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• The more you can learn and understand about cervical cancer, the more you will be able to make informed decisions about where to go for your care, the treatments available, the risks involved, side effects of therapy and expected outcome.
• See Resources for Additional Information.

MEDICATION--Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder if it is diagnosed and treated early. If radical surgery and additional treatment are required, your doctor may prescribe anticancer drugs.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions. Resume sexual activity once you have medical clearance.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have persistent vaginal bleeding or other symptoms of cervical cancer.
• You have not had a pelvic examination or Pap smear in at least 1 year.