FAST FACTS on CERVICAL CANCER

What is Cervical Cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which certain body cells don't function right; divide very fast; and produce too much tissue, which results in the formation of tumors.

Cervical Cancer is cancer located in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb).

Statistics:

Cervical Cancer in the Global Context

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting women worldwide.
500,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.

Every 2 minutes, a woman somewhere in the world dies of cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer in the Philippines

Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among Filipino women.
Incidence starts rising steeply at age 35.In the Philippines, late-stage diagnosis is prevalent.
56% of Filipino women with cervical cancer will die within 5 years from the time of detection.
12 Filipino women die of cervical cancer every day.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Cervical Cancer is caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
HPV is a very common virus and is easily transmitted. It is resistant to heat and desiccation.

How is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Transmitted?

You can get it through skin-to-skin (rubbing) genital contact:

• Even without sexual penetration
• Condoms may reduce the risk but do not ensure 100% protection
• Even dead cells shed during intercourse can contain HPV and remain infective for days.

Can All HPVs Cause Cervical Cancer?

There are many types of HPV but only cancer-causing strains could lead to cervical cancer.
Worldwide, HPV strains 16, 18, 45, and 31 together are responsible for more than 80% of cervical cancer cases.

What are the Risk Factors?

• Young age at sexual debut
• High number of pregnancies
• Smoking (current)
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Sexually transmitted infection

What are the Signs that I Should Look Out for if I Have Cervical Cancer?

Early Cervical Cancer generally produces NO signs or symptoms. However, as the cancer progresses, these signs and symptoms may appear:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Who is at Risk?

Every woman is at risk.

How is Cervical Cancer Detected?

Regular screening can detect pre-cancerous lesions through either:

• PAP smear
• HPV DNA Test
• Visual inspection with acetic acid

When Should I Get a PAP Smear?

• Begin testing about 3 years after start of sexual activity but not earlier than 21.
• Get a pap smear every year until age 30. After age 30, women who have had 3 consecutive normal results on annual PAP smears can be re screened every 2 to 3 years.
• Screening may be done if the woman has abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain, sores, or itching.

The risk of developing cervical cancer is three to ten times greater in women who have not been screened.

References:

The Medical City Section of Gynecologic Oncology
National Cancer Institute. Screening for Cervical Cancer. 2005.
Philippine Cancer Facts and Estimates