DEFINITION

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.

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.

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.

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.

DIET HINTS

- The antioxidant lycopene may help protect against Cervical Cancer. Lycopene is found in ripe, red tomatoes and tomato-based products such as tomato sauce, pizza sauce and tomato juice.
- A high dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables may reduce the risks of developing Cervical Cancer.
- Consumption of dark green and yellow vegetables and fruit juices may reduce the risk of Cervical Cancer.
- Include garlic in the diet to help maintain healthy immune function.
- Choose a diet low in animal fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates.
- Ensure adequate fibre intake.
- If you drink alcohol, limit your intake.
- For dietary advice during cancer therapy, see the Cancer - Chemotherapy and Cancer - Radiotherapy topics on the Healthpoint for information.

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.

ORGANISATIONS and SUPPORT GROUPS

See the Australian Cancer Society topic on the Healthpoint.

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