Cervical cancer: Symptoms and Treatments

Chapter 01

What is cervical cancer?

The cervix is a canal located between your uterus and vagina.³ When you’re pregnant, your cervix helps keep your baby in place until it’s fully developed.³ Cervical cancer can occur when abnormal cells develop in the lining of the cervix and form a tumour.^1,2,4 Anyone with a cervix is at risk of developing cervical cancer, this can include persons who identify as straight, lesbian, gay bisexual or transgender.^2,5

Types of cervical cancer

There are two types of cervical cancer:^1,2,4

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): usually starts in the outer surface of the cervix and is the more common form of cervical cancer.
Adenocarcinoma usually develops in inner surface of the cervix.^2,6 This type of cancer may be difficult to diagnose because it starts high in the cervix and isn't always reached during a cervical screening test.^2,6

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How can cervical cancer develop?

Cells in the cervix don’t suddenly become cancerous, but the process tends to gradually happen over time.⁷ There are some known risk factors which may contribute to developing cervical cancer, especially exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV).^1,4,6 HPV is passed via skin to skin contact usually as a sexually transmitted infection.¹ There are different strains of HPV that carry different risks.¹ Not everyone with HPV will get cervical cancer, but almost every case of cervical cancer is linked to HPV.^8,15

Vaccination for HPV

There is a HPV vaccine and it has been designed to protect against the known strains of HPV that usually cause cervical cancer.⁸ Your doctor can also discuss more around how HPV is linked to the risk of cervical cancer.⁸ They can also advise how to get a HPV vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer

Whilst HPV exposure is a key risk for developing cervical cancer, it isn’t the only risk that needs be considered.^1,8 Other risk factors include:^1,2

smoking
long-term use of the contraceptive pill gives a small increased risk
weakened immune system
people whose mother was given DES during pregnancy, an artificial form of oestrogen used between 1939 and 1971

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Typically, cervical cancer can present as one of more the following symptoms:^2,4

vaginal bleeding between periods, during or after sex, or after menopause
pain during sex
pelvic pain
heavier or longer lasting periods
changes to vaginal discharge, such as unusual colour, smell, or volume

Please note, the above are the more commonly known symptoms of cervical cancer.^4,7 if you are experiencing anything unusual or have any concerns always speak with your doctor.

Cervical Screening Tests

At present the most effective way to identify whether someone has cervical cancer is through a cervical screening test (formerly called a PAP smear).^2,4 Screening is free in Australia and is recommended every 5 years from the age of 25 to 74.²

Chapter 02

Diagnosing cervical cancer

If your screening test shows anything out of the ordinary, your GP may refer you to a specialist for more detailed tests which may include:^2,4

Colposcopy – your doctor may use a magnifying device called a colposcope to examine your cervix more carefully
Biopsy – during a colposcopy a doctor may take a tissue sample for laboratory analysis

If anything unusual is found from testing, your doctor will talk to you about what it means and the next steps.

Chapter 03

Treatment options for cervical cancer

There are various treatment options avaibale and your doctor will determine the most suitable based on diagnosis and other factors.^9,10 Broadly, factors that may influence a treatment approache(s) can be stage of disease, age or whether you would like to have children.¹⁰

Treatment options for cervical cancer include:^4,9-11

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is an approach to cancer therapy which involves the administration of medicine, usually orally or injection, which is intended to kill cancer cells or minimise their growth and spread. Chemotherapy can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatments.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread. There are different radiation therapy techniques which may be suitable for different cancer types at different stages.

Surgery

Surgical intervention can be used in some cases to remove the cervix, uterus, and surrounding tissue. Your doctor will consider whether surgical intervention is appropriate for you.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medications that are designed to target and help kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.

Chapter 04

Potential side effects

Some of the emotions you may experience around a diagnosis and subsequent treatment can include disbelief, anxiety, sadness, anger, and loneliness.¹² It is recommended to speak to your doctor about the side-affects you may experience during or after your treatment, and the strategies to manage them.

Suggestions for how to stay well during chemotherapy treatment

The following is a guide only, please speak with your doctor on what may be appropriate for you:^12,14

Aim to maintain a healthy diet.¹² You can speak with your clinician regarding the design of a suitable eating plan during your treatment
Reach out to support groups and others who have are going through treatment
Ask your team about topical treatments for your skin if you have irritation or pain
It may help to have a daily diary or journal to record things like side affects
Speak to your doctor about ways you may be able to incorporate gentle exercise into your weekly routine
Rest where needed - it is important to acknowledge when you are fatigued and have rest days when needed
Ask for and accept help from family, friends and neighbours
Be open with employers about your treatment and discuss flexible working options if you need them

Chapter 05

Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare

We understand that a cancer diagnosis may be life-changing for you and those close to you. Our dedicated care team are there to deliver a personalised care experience by listening, aiming to build your confidence, settling your emotions, and providing evidence-based treatment.

Your care team aim to get to know you as a person. At GenesisCare we believe care should be focused on you, the individual, not the condition. We don't want you to feel alone. Your nursing and oncology team are here to help support you before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We are here to help guide you to get the multidisciplinary support you need from experts such as psychologists, exercise physiologists, physiotherapists, and dietitians.

Chapter 06

Other services

Other information, resources and support services are available to assist you during your cancer journey. These include:

Cancer Council Australia

13 11 20

cancer.org.au

Australian Cancer Research Foundation

02 9223 7833

acrf.com.au

How can we help?

Our staff will provide answers to your questions within 24 hours. Otherwise, if you have a medical emergency please call 000.

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Chemotherapy

Forms of chemotherapy can be used in the treatment of cancer.

Treatment

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy may be offered in the early stages of cancer treatment, or after it has started to spread.

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Disclaimer

Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary.

References

Choi, et al. Pathogens. 2023;12(2):298.
Cancer Council Australia [website]. Types of Cancer: Cervical Cancer. Last updated March 2023 [Cited July 2023]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
Evbuomwan, O and Chowdhury, YS. National Library of Medicine. StatPearls Publishing LLC [Internet]. Physiology, Cervical Dilation. Treasure island (FL). Last Update: May 2023 [Cited July 2023]. Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539881/
Burmeister CA, et al. Tumour Virus Res. 2022 Jun; 13: 200238
Berner, AM. Br J Gen Pract. 2021; 71(709): e614–e625.
Teoh D, et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Apr; 135(4): 869–878.
National Library of medicine. NCBI Bookshelf. Informed Health.org [Internet]. Cervical Cancer: Overview. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, 2006. Last Update: Dec. 2017 [Accessed July 2023]. Access from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279259/
Commonwealth of Australia. Department of Health. Human papillomavirus (HPV) [webpage]. July 2022 & 2023 [cited July 2023]. Access from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/colds
National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Guidelines; Cervical Cancer. Version 1.2022, Last updated Oct. 26, 2021 [cited July 2023]. Access from: https://www.nccn.org
Australian Government. Cancer Australia. [webpage]. Cervical Cancer: treatment options. Last updated Sept. 2022 [cited July 2023]. Access from: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au
Cohen PA, et al. Lancet. 2019;393(10167):169-82.
Cancer Council Australia [website]. Psychosocial care. Last updated July 2022 [cited July 2023]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
Cancer Council Australia [website]. Exercise for people living with cancer. Last updated March 2019 [cited July 2023]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
Cancer Council Australia [website]. Understanding Chemotherapy. Last updated August 2022 [cited July 2023]. Access: https://www.cancer.org.au
World Health Organisation [website]. Cervical cancer. Last updated Feb. 2022 [cited July 2023]. Access from: https://www.who.int

Introduction

Cervical cancer

What is cervical cancer?

What is cervical cancer?

Types of cervical cancer

Make an enquiry

Diagnosis

Diagnosing cervical cancer

Treatment options

Treatment options for cervical cancer

Side effects

Potential side effects

Suggestions for how to stay well during chemotherapy treatment

Patient care at GenesisCare

Learn more about patient care at GenesisCare

Other services

Other services

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Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

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