What triggers cervical cancer?

Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.


Who is most likely to get cervical cancer?

Who is more likely to get cervical cancer
  • you're under 45 – cervical cancer is more common in younger people.
  • you have a weakened immune system, like if you have HIV or AIDS.
  • you have given birth to multiple children or had children at an early age (under 17 years old)


What makes you high risk for cervical cancer?

Long-lasting (persistent) infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancer. Nearly all people who are sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Around half of HPV infections are with a high-risk (cancer-causing) HPV type.


What causes cervical cancer other than HPV?

Is there anything else that can cause cervical cancer, besides HPV? Smoking and being chronically immunocompromised can increase your risk of developing cervical cancer. Also, not having routine cervical cancer screening tests (Pap tests) can mean pre-cancers are not found in time to prevent cancer.

Can you get cervical cancer without STD?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) — a sexually transmitted virus — is thought to cause most cases of cervical cancer. But there are other factors that may increase your risk, such as smoking, a chlamydia infection, and a weakened immune system.


Cervical Cancer Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)



What are the early warning signs of cervical cancer?

Symptoms
  • 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.


How many years can cervical cancer go undetected?

The progression from becoming infected with HPV to developing CIN or CGIN and then developing cervical cancer is very slow, often taking 10 to 20 years.

How can I prevent cervical cancer naturally?

A diet that is high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids and folate – all of which are found in fruits and vegetables – can help the body fight off HPV and also prevent an HPV infection from transforming cervical cells into cancerous lesions.


How fast does cervical cancer spread?

Cervical cancer develops very slowly. It can take years or even decades for the abnormal changes in the cervix to become invasive cancer cells. Cervical cancer might develop faster in people with weaker immune systems, but it will still likely take at least 5 years.

How fatal is cervical cancer?

About 44% of people with cervical cancer are diagnosed at an early stage. If cervical cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or organs and/or the regional lymph nodes, the 5-year survival rate is 58%. If the cancer has spread to a distant part of the body, the 5-year survival rate is 18%.

Can stress bring on cervical cancer?

In addition, patients who had stress-related disorders were approximately 55% more likely to die of their cervical cancer, whereas those who had experienced a stressful life event were 20% more likely to die of the disease.


What is the number one preventable cause of cervical cancer?

The biggest risk factor for cervical cancer is human papillomavirus (HPV); almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with a cancer-causing type of HPV. The other main risk factor is smoking tobacco [2].

Is cervical cancer a big deal?

Cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. Fortunately, because of the Pap test, rates of cervical cancer have dropped dramatically. During a Pap test, your doctor collects cervical cells for microscopic examination to find precancerous or cancerous cells.

What is the first stage of cervical cancer?

Stage I cervical cancer

Stage IA1 and IA2 cervical cancer. A very small amount of cancer that can only be seen under a microscope is found in the tissues of the cervix. In stage IA1, the cancer is not more than 3 millimeters deep. In stage IA2, the cancer is more than 3 but not more than 5 millimeters deep.


What is the average age to get cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44 with the average age at diagnosis being 50 . It rarely develops in women younger than 20. Many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age.

Does cervical cancer come on suddenly?

Cervical cancer symptoms are not likely to come on suddenly, but usually persist once they do appear.

Where is the first place cervical cancer spreads?

The most common places for cervical cancer to spread is to the lymph nodes, liver, lungs and bones.


Where does cervical cancer usually start?

Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb). The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time.

What kills cervical cancer cells?

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays of radiation to kill cancer cells. You may have radiotherapy for cervical cancer: as the main treatment if the cancer is large or has spread. after surgery, usually with chemotherapy (chemoradiotherapy), to help stop the cancer coming back.

What are 3 ways to decrease cervical cancer?

The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests, and go back to the doctor if your screening test results are not normal.


What kills cancer cells in the cervix?

For the earliest stages of cervical cancer, either surgery or radiation combined with chemo may be used. For later stages, radiation combined with chemo is usually the main treatment. Chemo (by itself) is often used to treat advanced cervical cancer.

Can you miss cervical cancer with a Pap smear?

They cannot tell for certain if you have cervical cancer. An abnormal Pap test or HPV test result may mean more testing is needed to see if a cancer or a pre-cancer is present. Cervical cancer may also be suspected if you have symptoms like abnormal vaginal bleeding or pain during sex.

How curable is cervical cancer?

Summary. Cervical cancer is curable, but it is difficult for doctors to know for sure that it will never come back following treatment. Therefore, doctors often use the term “remission” to describe cancer that has gone away and is no longer causing symptoms.


Whats the longest you can live with cervical cancer?

Survival for all stages of cervical cancer

more than 60 out of every 100 (more than 60%) will survive their cancer for 5 years or more after diagnosis. more than 50 women out of every 100 (more than 50%) will survive their cancer for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Does cervical cancer show up in blood work?

A full blood count test isn't enough to confirm a diagnosis of cervical cancer. However, it's an important test that will likely be part of any cervical cancer testing process. A full blood count shows the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood.