Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in India despite being largely preventable. (Representation image: Getty)
Put your health first and don't ignore symptoms or screening recommendations. With the tools available today, you have a lot of power to avoid becoming just another cervical cancer statistic.
Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian homes. As a result, most people facing sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often turn to unverified online sources or follow unscientific advice from their friends. To address widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com publishes this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk About Sex.' We hope to start conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific knowledge and nuance.
In this article, we'll explain how common cervical cancer is, what puts you at risk, and what you can do to protect yourself.
When you think about cervical cancer, you may wonder why it is so common. Well, the answer lies in sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It is an extremely common cancer that affects women, especially those between 30 and 40 years old. Why is this cancer so common? There are a few reasons:
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses and certain strains are known to cause cervical cancer. HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, such as during sexual activity. HPV infections are very common and most people will get one at some point in their lives. While your body can usually clear the virus on its own, sometimes an HPV infection persists and can lead to cervical cancer.
- Immunosuppression: A weakened immune system makes it harder for the body to fight off an HPV infection, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. HIV positive women have a higher chance of suffering from cervical cancer.
- Lack of regular Pap tests: Pap smears, or Pap smears, detect precancerous changes in the cervix that could develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. Many women do not get regular Pap tests, often due to lack of access to health care, and this contributes to higher rates of cervical cancer.
Connection between HPV and cervical cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which are known as “high-risk” types. Two high-risk HPV types, HPV-16 and HPV-18, are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
When you get a high-risk HPV infection, the virus inserts its DNA into the cells of your cervix. Over time, HPV infection can cause abnormal cellular changes known as “cervical intraepithelial neoplasia” or CIN. If left untreated, these abnormal cell changes have the potential to develop into cervical cancer. That's why regular cervical cancer screening is so important: it allows the doctor to detect HPV, abnormal cell changes, and cervical cancer at an early stage.
The good news is that there are vaccines available that can help prevent HPV infections and reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given to preteens before they become sexually active. However, the vaccine can also benefit women up to 26 years old and men up to 21 years old. The HPV vaccine targets the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer and genital warts. While the HPV vaccine can help reduce the risk of cervical cancer, it does not eliminate the need for regular cervical cancer screening.
Other STIs that increase the risk of cervical cancer
Several other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), in addition to HPV, can also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. These include:
- Chlamydia: This common STI can infect the cervix and cause inflammation that leads to cellular changes if left untreated. Get tested and treated for chlamydia right away if you experience symptoms such as abnormal discharge, bleeding, or pain during sex.
- Gonorrhea: Like chlamydia, gonorrhea is an STI that can infect the cervix. If left untreated, it can cause scarring and cellular changes that increase the risk of cancer. See your doctor for antibiotics if you notice symptoms such as increased vaginal discharge, bleeding between periods, or pain during sex.
- Herpes: The herpes simplex virus (HSV) can infect the cervix and trigger cellular changes that can lead to cancer over time. Herpes can cause sores, lesions, and blisters that come and go, especially during outbreaks. Talk to your doctor about antiviral medications to help control herpes and reduce complications.
- Syphilis: This bacterial STI can spread to the cervix if left untreated. Syphilis may not cause any symptoms initially, so it is important to get regular STD testing. Without treatment, syphilis can damage cells in the cervix and increase the risk of cancer and other health problems. Antibiotics can cure syphilis if caught early.
Lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer
Certain lifestyle choices and habits can increase your chances of developing cervical cancer. Be aware of these risk factors and make any changes you can to reduce your risk.
- Of smoking: Cigarette smoking contains toxic chemicals that can damage cervical cells and increase the risk of cancer. Kick the habit to significantly reduce your risk. Vaping and other tobacco products are also harmful.
- Multiple sexual partners: Having many sexual partners, especially at a young age, increases the risk of infection with HPV, the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin genital contact, so practicing safe sex and limiting partners can help reduce your exposure.
- Early age at first sexual intercourse: Having sex at a younger age, usually before age 18, increases the likelihood of HPV infection and the subsequent development of cervical cancer. The ideal is to delay first sexual intercourse until your late teens or early 20s.
- Birth control pills: Some studies show a small increased risk of cervical cancer in women who use oral contraceptives for more than 5 years. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of different birth control options based on your needs and risk factors.
- Obesity and diet: Being overweight or obese and an unhealthy diet high in red and processed meats may contribute to an increased risk of cervical cancer. Focus on eating more whole foods like fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
Cervical cancer is much more common than it should be, especially in developing countries. But the good news is that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers that exist if it is detected early. Be sure to get regular Pap and HPV tests when your doctor recommends them. And protect yourself by limiting your sexual partners, using protection, and getting the HPV vaccine. The more informed you are about cervical cancer and its relationship to STIs, the better you will be able to detect abnormalities early and reduce your risk of cancer. Put your health first and don't ignore symptoms or screening recommendations. With the tools available today, you have a lot of power to avoid becoming another cervical cancer statistic.
