Cervical cancer

The cervix, or neck of the womb, is part of the female reproductive system. It lies at the base of the uterus (womb) and opens into the vagina. Some of the functions of the cervix include:

·         Producing lubrication for the vagina

·         Producing mucus to help sperm movement

·         Holding the developing baby in the uterus during pregnancy.

Cell changes and the Pap test
Sometimes the cells of the cervix undergo abnormal changes. Most abnormal cell changes are not due to cancer, but indicate common infections or conditions which clear up naturally. A Pap test every two years is a quick and simple medical test used to screen women for changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer. More serious abnormalities may require treatment, which usually requires only a day stay in a hospital or clinic, and does not affect fertility.

Two types of cervical cancer
Around 180 Victorian women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1997. There are two main types of cervical cancer:

·         Squamous cell carcinoma - this is the most common type of cancer and can take up to 10 years to develop.

·         Adenocarcinoma - this type of cervical cancer is less common and harder to detect. It tends to develop more quickly.

Common symptoms
Most women with abnormal cell changes or the early stages of cervical cancer don't have any symptoms at all. Occasionally, abnormal bleeding may be a sign of cervical cancer. Any abnormal bleeding should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Risk factors
Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

·         Infection with the common human papilloma virus (wart virus), which seems to increase a woman's risk of developing abnormal cell changes.

·         The drug diethylstilboestrol (DES), because daughters of women who took this anti-miscarriage drug seem to be at greater risk.

·         Cigarette smoking.

Diagnosing cervical cancer
Various tests are used to detect cervical cancer including:

·         Colposcopy - examines the vagina and cervix with a magnifying instrument to check for abnormalities.

·         Punch or target biopsy- a small tissue sample taken from the cervix during a colposcopy.

·         Cone biopsy - a larger tissue sample is removed from the cervix under anaesthetic.

Extra tests
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, you will need further tests which may include:

·         Cystoscopy and proctosigmoidoscopy - thin, lighted instruments are used to examine the bladder and rectum and part of the large intestine.

·         Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - x-ray of kidneys, bladder and ureters.

·         CT scan - three-dimensional x-ray of the body.

Treatment for cervical cancer
Some of the treatments for cervical cancer include:

·         Cone biopsy - if detected early, some cervical cancers can be removed during a biopsy.

·         Hysterectomy - the removal of the uterus.

·         Radiotherapy - the use of x-rays to destroy the cancer cells.

·         Chemotherapy - anti-cancer drugs that stop cancer cells from multiplying.

Where to get help

·         Your doctor

·         Family planning clinic

·         Your gynaecologist

·         Cancer Information and Support Service. Tel. 131 120.

Things to remember

·         A Pap test every two years screens women for changes to the cells of the cervix that may lead to cervical cancer.

·         Abnormal cell changes in the cervix are not necessarily cancer.

·         Cervical cancer occasionally develops very quickly and is sometimes diagnosed in younger women.

·         Treatment for cervical cancer includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these treatments.