Every March 26th is commemorated the "International Cervical Cancer Day". Although we are talking about a cancer that is preventable and treatable, this type of cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women of reproductive age worldwide.

In 2020, according to figures reported by the WHO, 604,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, while 342,000 women died from cervical cancer. This date seeks to promote its prevention and achieve a future free of cervical cancer.

From Panama Cancer Clinic, our Gynecologic OncologistDr. Everardo Gutierrez Rodriguez, tells us what this type of cancer is, how it develops, how we can treat it, but most importantly, how we can prevent its development or detect it even in pre-malignant stages.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease caused by the abnormal growth of cells of the cervix, which is the lowest part of the uterus. And to which we have access through the vagina.

This type of cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a family of more than 200 types of viruses, some of which are related to cancer, such as types 16 and 18, which cause at least 70% of the cases of cervical cancer. In this sense, we are talking about a sexually transmitted disease.

How can Cervical Cancer be prevented?

Mainly, if we talk about HPV, we are talking about a sexually transmitted disease, so barrier methods such as condoms or sexual abstinence can reduce the risk of infection.

In Panama we have the quadrivalent vaccine, and it is recommended for boys and girls between 10 and 14 years of age. This vaccine covers the infection of genotypes 16 and 18 -which are associated with cervical cancer-, and genotypes 6 and 11, which are associated with genital warts.

In addition we have: the Papanicolaou (PAP) or cervico-vaginal cytology, and the human papillomavirus DNA detection test. These types of tests allow us to detect pre-malignant lesions, that is, before this type of cancer develops, or the presence of high-risk viruses associated with cervical cancer.

What are the most common symptoms?

In very early stages, when it is not visible it may not present symptoms. However, when the lesion becomes visible, it may cause symptoms such as: bleeding during sexual intercourse, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which occurs when the lesions are very large and the cancer is in a more advanced stage. Other symptoms such as pain, urinary problems and/or changes in bowel habits may occur.

What tests are performed to diagnose Cervical Cancer?

The diagnosis of cervical cancer begins with suspicion, when abnormal results are obtained in the cytology or Pap smear. Subsequently, a biopsy will be performed, which can be obtained by Colposcopy -non-visible lesions-, or if the lesion is already visible, a direct sample of the tumor will be taken. These samples will then go to pathology to obtain confirmation of cervical cancer.

The next step will be to determine the stage of this type of cancer. For this, physical examinations are performed, as well as other tests such as a CT scan and laboratory tests.

What is the treatment of Cervical Cancer?

The treatment of this type of cancer is directly related to the stage of the cervical cancer. In early stages it is treated by surgery, which can be a simple or radical hysterectomy. In addition to the removal of regional lymph nodes. This will give us more information to establish if other types of treatment are required.

In more advanced stages, where the cancer is very large, or has invaded other tissues, treatment will be based on radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the same time.

What final recommendations would you share with the community?

Some recommendations to prevent the development of cervical cancer, or to ensure its early detection are: HPV vaccination, annual cytology, human papillomavirus test, which can be done simultaneously with the cytology, or according to the recommendations of your specialist. As well as performing additional tests such as Colposcopy, Biopsy or a Cervical Cone.

"Prevention is key to treat this type of disease. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact your specialist or visit us at visit us at Panama Cancer Clinic".