Cervical Cancer

Gambaran umum

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the womb (uterus). It is often caused by certain types of a common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). With regular screening and the HPV vaccine, it is one of the most preventable cancers.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. However, rates have dropped in many countries because of screening and vaccination. In the UK, about 3,200 new cases are diagnosed each year.

Cervical cancer mainly affects women and people with a cervix, usually between the ages of 30 and 45. But it can occur at any age. People who have not had the HPV vaccine or regular screening are at higher risk.

Gejala

Gejala umum

• Vaginal bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
• Watery, pink, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or pain during sex

Gejala pada anak-anak

• Cervical cancer is extremely rare in children. If any unusual bleeding or discharge occurs, a doctor should evaluate it.

Gejala pada lansia

• In older adults, symptoms are similar. Any bleeding after menopause should always be checked by a healthcare provider.

Penyebab

Penyebab utama

• Infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) – a very common virus that usually goes away on its own, but in some people it causes cell changes that can turn into cancer over many years
• HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. Most people will get HPV at some point, but only a small number develop cancer.

Faktor risiko

• Long-term infection with a high-risk type of HPV
• Smoking tobacco
• A weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or medications after an organ transplant)
• Long-term use of oral contraceptive pills (for more than 5 years)
• Having given birth to many children (high parity)
• Not attending regular cervical screening

Kapan harus ke dokter

Segera temui dokter jika:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or bleeding that soaks through a pad every hour
• Severe pelvic pain that does not go away

Buat janji temu rutin jika:

• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Unexplained vaginal discharge that is watery, pink, or foul-smelling
• Pain during sex or pelvic discomfort

Diagnosis

Cervical cancer is usually found during cervical screening (Pap smear) when abnormal cells are detected. If you have symptoms, your doctor will do tests to check for cancer.

Tes yang mungkin dilakukan

• Pap smear (cervical screening) – a brush collects cells from the cervix to look for changes
• HPV test – checks for high-risk types of HPV on the cervix
• Colposcopy – a special magnifying instrument is used to look closely at the cervix; it is done in a clinic and is similar to a pelvic exam
• Biopsy – a small piece of cervical tissue is removed and examined in a lab to see if cancer is present

Apa yang diharapkan saat janji temu

If your screening result is abnormal, you will be referred for a colposcopy. This is an outpatient procedure that may feel a bit uncomfortable, like a smear test. The doctor may take a biopsy. Results usually come back in 1 to 2 weeks. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and discuss next steps.

Perawatan

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, your overall health, and your personal choices. Options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Early-stage cancer may be treated with surgery alone. More advanced stages may need a combination of treatments. Your healthcare team will create a plan tailored to you.

Perawatan mandiri di rumah

• Stop smoking – smoking can make treatment less effective and increase side effects
• Eat a balanced diet to help your body stay strong during treatment
• Get gentle exercise like walking, as you are able
• Tell your care team about any new symptoms or side effects

Perawatan medis

Medical treatments for cervical cancer include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), and chemotherapy (medicines that kill cancer cells throughout the body). Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also sometimes used. Your doctor will explain which treatments are recommended and why.

Kapan operasi dipertimbangkan?

Surgery is often an option for early-stage cervical cancer. It may involve removing a cone-shaped piece of the cervix (conization) or the entire cervix and womb (hysterectomy). Sometimes nearby lymph nodes are also removed. The type of surgery depends on the size and spread of the cancer, and whether you wish to preserve fertility.

Hidup dengan kondisi ini

After treatment, you may have fatigue, bladder or bowel changes, or swelling in the legs (lymphedema). Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor for any changes. Your care team can help manage side effects and support your recovery.

Tips gaya hidup

• Avoid smoking – it can worsen treatment side effects and increase the risk of recurrence
• Stay as active as you can – gentle exercise like walking can help with fatigue and mood
• Maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet
• Practice pelvic floor exercises if you have bladder or bowel issues

Diet dan olahraga

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can support your body during and after treatment. Gentle exercise, such as walking or yoga, can improve energy, reduce stress, and strengthen your body. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise plan.

Kesehatan mental dan kesejahteraan emosional

A cervical cancer diagnosis can bring anxiety, sadness, or stress. These feelings are normal. It's important to talk about them with your care team, a counsellor, or a support group. Many people find it helpful to connect with others who have had similar experiences.

Pencegahan

Yes, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. The two most important tools are the HPV vaccine and regular cervical screening (Pap smear). Together, they can stop most cases from ever developing.

Vaksin

The HPV vaccine protects against the high-risk HPV types that cause most cervical cancers. In the UK, it is offered to all children around age 12-13. It works best when given before any exposure to HPV, but can still be helpful for some older age groups. Talk to your healthcare provider about whether the vaccine is right for you.

Program skrining

Cervical screening (also called a Pap smear or smear test) checks for abnormal cell changes in the cervix that could become cancer. In the UK, it is offered to women and people with a cervix from age 25 to 64 every 3 to 5 years. Regular screening can catch changes early, when they are easy to treat.

Komplikasi

Jika tidak diobati

• The cancer may spread to nearby tissues such as the bladder or rectum
• It can spread to lymph nodes or to distant parts of the body (metastasis)
• It can cause kidney failure if it blocks the tubes (ureters) from the kidneys to the bladder
• In advanced stages, it may cause severe bleeding, pain, or weight loss

Prospek jangka panjang

The outlook for cervical cancer is very good when it is found early. Most women with early-stage cervical cancer are cured. Even for more advanced cancers, treatments continue to improve, and many people live well for many years. Regular follow-up care and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well.

Cari dukungan

Organisasi internasional

• Jo's Cervical Cancer Trust ↗
• Cancer Research UK ↗
• American Cancer Society ↗

Organisasi lokal

• NHS Choices – Cervical Cancer ↗ · UK
• Macmillan Cancer Support ↗ · UK

Saluran bantuan

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