Cervical cancer is among the most common types of cancer worldwide. It occurs in the cells of the cervix, the uterus’s lower part connecting to the vagina. It is typically caused by various strains of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and STI (sexually transmitted infection). Longevity Live Paid Content.
Essentially, the body’s immune system fights when exposed to HPV to prevent harm. However, the virus may survive for several years in some people. As a result, the virus can contribute to the development of cervical cancer – by transforming cervical cells into cancer cells.
Continue reading this piece to learn more about cervical cancer and its prevalence in Australia.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the lining of the cervix. This type of cancer has two major types, characterized by the type of cells affected by the HPV. Types of cervical cancer include the following:
- Cervical Adenocarcinoma: In roughly 25% of cases of cervical cancer, the mucus-producing cells of the cervix are affected by this type of cervical cancer. Because it begins higher in the cervix, diagnosis of Cervical Adenocarcinoma is more challenging.
- Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: About 70% of all cervical malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas, which develop in the cervix.
What Are the Causes of Cervical Cancer?
High-risk genital HPV infections bring on the majority of occurrences of cervical cancer. A staggering 4 in 5 persons will get at least one kind of genital HPV infection throughout their lifetime. Typically, genital HPV is transmitted during intercourse with an infected person.
Most people contracting HPV have no symptoms, and their immune systems soon wipe out the virus. In some women, the infection persists and can result in precancerous abnormalities in the cervix, which can turn into cancer. These changes take a very long time to manifest, typically years.
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Cervical Cancer – Signs and Symptoms
Rarely do cervical cancer changes cause symptoms. A cervical screening test can help determine the presence of abnormal cells that could potentially cause cancer. The following signs and symptoms are most frequently present if early cell changes contribute to the development of cervical cancer:
- A change in your vaginal discharge – discharge with an unusual or strong smell or colour, or even a change in the amount of discharge
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Heavier or longer menstrual bleeding
- Pain during intercourse
- Pelvic pain
- Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
- Spotting (bleeding between periods)
More rare signs of more advanced cancer include:
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Swelling, discomfort, or pain in the leg
- Lower back pain
If you are concerned or notice a persistent symptom, speak with your doctor. Other disorders could also cause these symptoms. Regardless of whether you are straight, bisexual, gay, lesbian, or transgender, if you have a cervix, you need to know this.
Cervical Cancer in Australia
Australia could be the first nation to completely eradicate cervical cancer as a public health concern. ‘Elimination’ for cervical cancer refers to less than 4 cases per 100,000 women diagnosed annually. At the current incidence of 6.5 per 100,000, there will likely be 942 new cases of cervical cancer among Australian women in 2022, with 222 deaths.
Every year, little over 900 new instances of cervical cancer are found in Australia. According to the Cancer Council, a woman has a 1 in 162 chance of being diagnosed with cancer by age 85. Every year, roughly 200 women in Queensland are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although it can happen at any age, it most frequently affects women over 30.
Invasive, late-stage cervical cancer is less common to diagnose than cervical pre-cancers. The overall five-year survival rate for all stages is 74%. Since the Cervical Screening Program started in 1991 and the country implemented a nationwide HPV vaccine program in 2007, there have been significantly fewer cervical cancer incidences in Australia.
Wrap-Up
Due to the lack of access to cervical screening test and vaccination programs, this disease continues to be a major cause of death in low- and middle-income nations. With an anticipated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths recorded in 2020, cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent disease among women globally and the most common gynecological cancer.
