12 February 2024

Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix. This cancer generally grows slowly and only shows symptoms when it reaches an advanced stage.

Cervix or the neck of the uterus is the part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Its function is to produce mucus that helps transport sperm from the vagina to the uterus during sexual intercourse. The cervix also serves to protect the uterus from bacteria and foreign objects from the outside. In Indonesia, cervical cancer ranks second after breast cancer as the most common type of cancer out of all cancer cases in 2020.

Types of Cervical Cancer are:

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
   Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of cervical cancer. SCC begins in the squamous cells of the cervix, which are the cells that line the outer part of the cervix.
    
2. Adenocarcinoma
   Adenocarcinoma is a type of cervical cancer that begins in the glandular cells in the cervical canal.

Cervical cancer occurs when healthy cells undergo changes or mutations. These mutations cause the cells to grow abnormally and uncontrollably, forming cancer cells. The exact cause of the changes in these cells' genes is not yet known. However, this condition is known to be related to infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be transmitted through sexual contact.

The life expectancy for cervical cancer patients depends on the stage of the disease. Based on available studies, here is the life expectancy for cervical cancer patients according to the stage of the disease:

• Stage 1: 90% or more
• Stage 2: 60–80%
• Stage 3: 50%
• Stage 4: ≤30%

The chances of recovery for cervical cancer patients are higher if the condition is detected early. Therefore, it is recommended for all women to undergo cervical cancer screening regularly starting at age 21 or once they are married. Additionally, the prevention of HPV infection, which can trigger this cancer, can also be done by receiving the cervical cancer vaccination starting at age 10.

Reviewed by: Dr. Widi Angga Kusuma, M.K.K.

Source: Alodokter Health Article

Photo: freepik.com