Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – And good results on the vaccine

An update from Dr Jotham Musinguzi, Chair of Commat, on this type of cancer, which is preventable 

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of cells at the cervix,  the lower part of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The infection is acquired through sexual contact.  If the body's immune system does not overwhelm the infection, the virus survives for years, slowly causing some cervical cells to become cancer cells. 

What are the known risk factors for cervical cancer? 

They include:

• Increased number of sexual partners
• Early sexual activity
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) eg HPV, gonorrhoea, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, herpes and chlamydia.
• Weakened immune system
• Tobacco smoking 

What are the early signs of cervical cancer?

In its early stages, cervical cancer may not show any signs or symptoms. However, over time, signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain during intercourse, or simply pelvic pain
• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier than normal or lasts longer 
• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, or in menopause 
• Vaginal discharge (watery and/or bloody) with foul smell

What are the treatment for cervical cancer?

They include:

• Early treatment, often by surgery to remove the cancerous tumour. 
• Possibly medicines to kill the cancer cells (Chemotherapy). 
• Other options such as radiation therapy (Radiotherapy) 
• And combinations  of any of the above 

What is the HPV vaccine, and how successful might it be?

Since 2008, on recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO), children who have reached school age of 12-13, can be vaccinated against HPV.

Before the WHO approved the HPV vaccine, cervical cancer risk was very high, particularly before the age of 30 years. In addition, WHO has further recommended that to eliminate cervical cancer,  90% of all 15 year-old girls need to be vaccinated.

The good news is the evidence in the UK that “Children vaccinated at age 12-13 against HPV have close to zero risk of dying  from cervical cancer before the age of 30, landmark new research reveals”. Deaths have fallen sharply since the vaccine has been offered to school-age girls in 2008…

For more information see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c621z28z138o