Participating in a clinical trial may be the best treatment option for some people.
Clinical trials are an integral part of the cancer research process. Researchers carry them out to determine the safety and effectiveness of new treatments, and whether they are better than existing ones.
People who participate in clinical trials are contributing to cancer research and innovation.
Prevention
A number of measures can help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
The link between the development of cervical cancer and some types of HPV is clear. If every female keeps to the current HPV vaccination programs, they could reduce the frequency of cervical cancer.
Safe sex and cervical cancer
The HPV vaccine only protects against two HPV strains. Other strains can cause cervical cancer. Using a condom during sex helps protect from HPV infection.
Cervical screening
Regular cervical screening might help a person identify and deal with signs of cancer before the condition can develop or spread too far. Screening does not detect cancer but indicates changes to the cells of the cervix.
Having fewer sexual partners
The more sexual partners a woman has, the higher the risk of transmitting the HPV virus becomes. This can lead to a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Delaying first sexual intercourse
The younger a woman is when she has sexual intercourse for the first time, the higher the risk of HPV infection becomes. The longer she delays it, the lower her risk.
Stopping smoking
Women who smoke and have HPV face a higher risk of developing cervical cancer than people who do not.
Diagnosis
Early cervical cancer diagnosis improves the success rate of treatment.
Under 21 years: Screening not recommend.
From 21–29 years: People should undergo screening every 3 years for cervical cancer.
From 30–65 years: The frequency depends on the type of screening. One of the following is recommended.
- screening for cervical cancer every 3 years, or
- screening for HPV every 5 years, or
- screening for both HPV and cervical cancer every 5 years
Over 65 years: Screening not recommend for those who have had adequate screening in the past, unless they have a high risk of cervical cancer.
People who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix do not need screening, unless they have had precancerous lesions or cervical cancer in the past.
These are the overall screening recommendations, but a doctor can advise each person about their screening needs.
Cervical smear test
Statistics has shown that the disease will be fatal in around 4,000 women. However, regular screening could prevent most of these deaths.
Screening does not detect cancer but looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Without treatment, some abnormal cells can eventually develop into cancer.
HPV DNA testing
This test determines whether the individual has any of the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer. It involves collecting cells from the cervix for lab testing.
The test can detect high-risk HPV strains in cell DNA before any anomalies become clear in the cervical cells.
If there are signs and symptoms of cervical cancer, or if the Pap test reveals abnormal cells, a doctor may recommend additional tests.
These include:
- Colposcopy: This is visual examination of the vagina using a speculum and a colposcope, a lighted magnifying instrument.
- Examination under anesthesia (EUA): The doctor can examine the vagina and cervix more thoroughly.
- Biopsy: The doctor takes a small section of tissue under general anesthesia.
- Cone biopsy: The doctor takes a small, cone-shaped section of abnormal tissue from the cervix for examination.
- LLETZ: Diathermy using a wire loop with an electric current helps remove abnormal tissue. The healthcare professional then sends the tissue to the lab for checking.
- Blood tests: A blood cell count can help identify liver or kidney problems.
- CT scan: A medical professional might use a barium liquid to show up any cellular abnormalities.
- MRI: Special types of MRI may be able to identify cervical cancer in its early stages.
- Pelvic ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves create an image of the target area on a monitor.
Outlook
The stage at which a person receives a cervical cancer diagnosis can help indicate their chances of survival for at least 5 more years:
- Stage 1: In early stage 1, the chance of surviving at least 5 years is 93%, and in late stage 1, it is 80 percent.
- Stage 2: In early stage 2, the rate is 63 percent, falling to 58 percent by the end of stage 2.
- Stage 3: During this stage, the chances fall from 35 percent to 32 percent.
- Stage 4: People with stage-4 cervical cancer have a 15 to 16 percent chance of surviving another 5 years.
These are average survival rates and do not apply to everyone. In some cases, treatment is successful up to stage 4.
