Cervical Cancer (Cervix Cancer): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention, Cervavac Vaccine, and Treatment
Introduction
Cervical cancer, also known as cervix cancer, is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, particularly in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide, with over 600,000 new cases and 340,000 deaths reported annually.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. The good news is that cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if detected early through regular screening and vaccination.
In India, cervical cancer remains a major public health challenge, but with the introduction of the Cervavac vaccine, a made-in-India HPV vaccine, prevention and control are becoming more accessible and affordable.
This comprehensive article explores cervical cancer causes, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, Cervavac vaccine, prevention, and treatment options.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer begins when abnormal cells in the cervix start multiplying uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If untreated, these cancerous cells can spread to other parts of the body such as the bladder, rectum, or lungs.
There are two main types of cervical cancer:
1. Squamous cell carcinoma – The most common type (about 70–90%), starting in the thin, flat cells lining the cervix.
2. Adenocarcinoma – Arises from glandular cells in the cervical canal.
Some cases may show mixed features of both.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus, and while most infections clear naturally, persistent infection with high-risk types (like HPV 16 and HPV 18) can cause cell changes leading to cancer.
Other Contributing Causes and Risk Factors:
Early sexual activity (before age 18)
Multiple sexual partners
Unprotected sex and exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Weakened immune system (HIV/AIDS, immunosuppressive drugs)
Long-term use of oral contraceptives (over 5 years)
Smoking – increases risk of squamous cell cervical cancer
Poor genital hygiene
Multiple pregnancies and early childbirth
Lack of regular cervical screening (Pap smear test)
Family history of cervical cancer
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
In the early stages, cervical cancer often shows no symptoms, which makes regular screening essential.
Common symptoms include:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Bleeding between periods
Bleeding after sexual intercourse
Post-menopausal bleeding
Unusual vaginal discharge (foul-smelling, watery, or blood-stained)
Pelvic pain or lower abdominal pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Frequent or painful urination (if the cancer spreads to the bladder)
Leg pain or swelling (advanced cases due to lymphatic spread)
Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite in late stages
Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer
Early detection is the key to preventing cervical cancer-related deaths. Several diagnostic tests help identify precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix.
1. Pap Smear Test (Papanicolaou test)
A simple screening test where cervical cells are collected and examined under a microscope.
Helps detect precancerous lesions and early cervical cancer.
2. HPV DNA Test
Detects high-risk HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer.
Recommended for women aged 30 years and above.
3. Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA)
Used in low-resource settings. The cervix is examined after applying acetic acid (vinegar).
Abnormal areas turn white and can be further tested.
4. Colposcopy
A colposcope (special magnifying instrument) is used to examine the cervix closely after abnormal Pap or HPV test results.
5. Biopsy
A small sample of cervical tissue is taken and examined for cancerous changes.
Types include punch biopsy, endocervical curettage, and cone biopsy.
6. Imaging Tests (for staging advanced cancer)
CT scan, MRI, PET scan – to check the spread of cancer to nearby organs or lymph nodes.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
The FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) staging system is commonly used:
Stage 0: Carcinoma in situ (precancerous cells confined to cervix surface).
Stage I: Cancer limited to cervix.
Stage II: Cancer spread beyond cervix but not to pelvic wall or lower vagina.
Stage III: Cancer extends to pelvic wall, lower vagina, or causes kidney problems.
Stage IV: Cancer spreads to bladder, rectum, or distant organs (lungs, liver, bones).
Cervavac Vaccine: India’s Affordable HPV Vaccine
One of the most revolutionary steps in cervical cancer prevention is the Cervavac vaccine, India’s first indigenously developed HPV vaccine.
Key Facts about Cervavac:
Launched in 2022 by the Serum Institute of India (SII).
Targets HPV types 16, 18, 6, and 11.
Helps prevent most cases of cervical cancer, genital warts, and precancerous lesions.
Cost-effective compared to imported HPV vaccines, making prevention more accessible.
Recommended Schedule:
Girls aged 9–14 years: 2 doses (0 and 6 months).
Girls and women aged 15–26 years: 3 doses (0, 1–2, and 6 months).
Best given before the onset of sexual activity for maximum effectiveness.
Benefits of Cervavac:
Affordable and accessible
Reduces cervical cancer burden in India
Safe and effective with minimal side effects (mild fever, injection site pain)
Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers with the right strategies:
1. HPV Vaccination
Vaccination with Cervavac or other HPV vaccines (Gardasil, Cervarix) provides strong protection.
2. Regular Screening
Pap smear every 3 years starting from age 21.
HPV test every 5 years after age 30.
3. Safe Sexual Practices
Use of condoms to reduce HPV transmission.
Limiting the number of sexual partners.
4. Healthy Lifestyle
Avoid smoking.
Maintain good genital hygiene.
Strengthen immunity with a balanced diet and exercise.
5. Awareness and Education
Promoting awareness about cervical cancer symptoms, vaccination, and screening programs.
Treatment of Cervical Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, age, fertility desire, and overall health.
1. Precancerous Lesions (Stage 0)
Cryotherapy (freezing abnormal cells)
LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure)
Laser therapy
Cone biopsy
2. Early-stage Cervical Cancer (Stage I & II)
Surgery
Conization (for early lesions, preserving fertility)
Hysterectomy (removal of uterus and cervix)
Radical hysterectomy with lymph node removal
3. Locally Advanced Cancer (Stage II & III)
Radiation therapy (external beam + brachytherapy)
Chemotherapy (cisplatin-based drugs)
Combination of chemoradiation
4. Advanced and Metastatic Cancer (Stage IV)
Palliative chemotherapy
Targeted therapy (Bevacizumab – anti-angiogenesis drug)
Immunotherapy (Pembrolizumab for PD-L1 positive tumors)
Palliative care to relieve pain and improve quality of life
Prognosis and Survival Rate
Early detection leads to 90% survival rate in localized cervical cancer.
Once cancer spreads beyond the cervix, survival rates drop significantly.
Regular screening, vaccination, and timely treatment are crucial to improve survival outcomes.
Global and Indian Scenario
Globally, cervical cancer is a public health concern, but the introduction of HPV vaccination programs has reduced cases in developed nations.
In India, cervical cancer remains the second most common cancer among women, but government-led awareness and the Cervavac vaccine initiative aim to reduce the burden drastically by 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main cause of cervical cancer?
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains (16 & 18) is the leading cause.
2. Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes. Through HPV vaccination, regular Pap/HPV screening, and safe lifestyle practices.
3. Is Cervavac safe?
Yes. Cervavac is safe, effective, and approved by health authorities with minimal side effects.
4. At what age should girls get the Cervavac vaccine?
Ideally between 9–14 years, before sexual activity begins.
5. Can cervical cancer be cured?
If detected early, cervical cancer is highly curable with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
Conclusion
Cervical cancer is a preventable and curable disease if diagnosed at an early stage. With the availability of the Cervavac vaccine, HPV vaccination has become affordable and accessible, especially in India. Regular screening, awareness, and timely treatment are vital in reducing cervical cancer cases and deaths.
By adopting preventive strategies, vaccination programs, and advanced treatment methods, cervical cancer could become a rare disease in the future.