Download a soft copy of the Cervical Cancer brochure in English

What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) connecting the body
of the uterus to the vagina (birth canal). Cancer of the cervix can take
many years to develop. Before cancer occurs, the cervix undergoes
pre-cancerous phases. These pre-cancerous phases cause changes in
the cervix known as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) and can
develop to cancer if left untreated.
What can you do to prevent
Cervical Cancer?
There are two ways to prevent cervical cancer:
• Go for regular Pap smear test
• Get vaccinated against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Uterus
Brush
How is Cervical Cancer
diagnosed?
If you present with any of the symptoms mentioned, the doctor will
perform a pelvic examination and a biopsy of the cervix may be taken
to look for cancer cells.
What are the treatment
options?
There are different treatments available for cervical cancer depending
on the stage of cervical cancer. Factors other than the stage of the
cancer that might have an impact on your treatment decision include
your age, your overall health, and your own preferences. The three
main types of treatment include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Cervix
Rectum
Vagina
Surgery
Surgery is usually the first treatment for cancer of the cervix in the
early stages (where cancer is confined to the cervix). The most common
treatment is hysterectomy to remove the uterus (womb) and cervix. The
neighbouring reproductive organs such as the ovaries and fallopian
tubes may be removed. However this depends on other factors such
as your age.
Who is at risk?
• Persistent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Multiple sexual partners
• Early onset of sexual intercourse
• Usage of oral contraceptives
• Smoking
• History of sexually transmitted disease
• Weakened immune system e.g. HIV infection
People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor.
What are the signs and
symptoms?
Early cervical cancer may not show any noticeable signs or symptoms.
Below are some symptoms of cervical cancer although other conditions
may also cause those symptoms:
• Vaginal bleeding (Between periods or after sexual intercourse)
• Blood-stained vaginal discharge
• Pain during sexual intercourse
A doctor should be consulted if the symptoms above occur.
A pap smear test is a simple procedure where cells are collected from
the surface of the cervix and then sent to a laboratory to detect any
abnormality. All sexually active women between 25 and 69 years
old are advised to have a pap smear test regularly (every 3 years on
average).
If you have an abnormal pap smear, the doctor may do any of the
following:
• Colposcopy
The doctor uses a colposcope (a lighted, magnifying instrument)
to check the vagina and cervix for abnormal areas. It is not inserted
into the vagina.
• Cone Biopsy
If the abnormal area cannot be seen properly with the colposcope,
a cone biopsy may be carried out. The doctor will remove a coneshaped
sample of tissue for the pathologist to examine under a
microscope for any abnormal cells. This procedure is often done
under a general anaesthetic.
Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called the Human
Papillomavirus (HPV). Being vaccinated against HPV is recommended
for all young women aged 10 to 25. Ideally the vaccine should be given
before the first sexual contact. Currently available HPV vaccines are
given as three injections over a six-month period.
Some patients with the earliest stage cervical cancers can be treated
with cervical conisation (cone biopsy) or simple hysterectomy alone.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high energy x-rays
or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or to keep them from
growing. There are two types of radiation therapy – external and
internal. The way the radiation therapy is given depends on the type
and stage of the cancer being treated.
Radiation can be used after surgery for early stage cervical cancer. It is
also the main treatment for later stage (stage 2 and above) cancers. For
cervical cancer, when radiation is the main treatment, it is often given
along with low doses of chemotherapy for it to work better.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to help kill cancer cells and shrink the
size of the tumour. It is often combined with radiation therapy. Usually
the drugs are given into a vein. Once the drugs enter the bloodstream,
they spread throughout the body. In cervical cancer, chemotherapy is
also given to women with advanced or recurrent cancer.