Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and HPV Prevention | Mass General Brigham

Summary

Dr. Rachel Clark Sassodia discusses cervical cancer, primarily caused by HPV. She emphasizes the importance of regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests, and the availability of treatments ranging from simple procedures for pre-cancers to aggressive surgeries and chemotherapy for advanced stages. The doctor highlights the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer and stresses the need for vaccination regardless of sex, as well as routine checks for women aged 21 and older.

Takeaways

• 🚩 Over 95% of cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
• 👩‍⚕️ Dr. Rachel Clark Sassodia is a gynecologic oncologist and associate professor at Harvard Medical School.
• 🌟 Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, which is at the bottom of the uterus.
• 🔍 HPV is so common that almost everyone who has been sexually active has been exposed to it.
• 🌈 Most women can clear HPV on their own, but some remain HPV positive and may develop cervical cancer.
• 👀 Regular PAP smears are recommended to check for HPV and pre-cancerous cells.
• 🚫 HPV can affect anyone with a cervix, including those who have not been sexually active.
• 🚭 Factors increasing the risk of cervical cancer include being immunocompromised or a smoker.
• 🤕 Symptoms of cervical cancer can include bleeding after intercourse, pelvic pain, and increased vaginal discharge.
• 🛠 Treatment for cervical cancer ranges from in-office procedures for pre-cancers to aggressive surgery and chemotherapy for advanced stages.
• 💉 The HPV vaccine is 99% effective in preventing cervical cancer and should be administered to both males and females.

Q & A

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cervix, which is located at the bottom of the uterus and acts as a gatekeeper during pregnancy to hold the baby inside.

What is the primary cause of cervical cancer?

The primary cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Is there any stigma or shame associated with HPV?

No, there is no stigma or shame in contracting HPV as almost everyone who has been sexually active has been exposed to it.

What happens when a woman contracts HPV?

Most women will clear HPV on their own over time, but some may remain HPV positive, leading to abnormal cell changes in the cervix.

Why are Pap smears recommended for women?

Pap smears are recommended to allow doctors to check for HPV positivity and the presence of pre-cancerous cells in the cervix.

Are there any rare causes of cervical cancer not caused by HPV?

Yes, there are rare causes of cervical cancer not caused by HPV, but the majority of cases are linked to HPV.

Who is at risk for cervical cancer?

Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer.

Can young girls and teenagers contract HPV without being sexually active?

Yes, young girls and teenagers can contract HPV without being sexually active, including through sexual assault or unwanted sexual interactions.

What are some factors that increase the likelihood of cervical cancer?

Factors that increase the likelihood of cervical cancer include being immunocompromised or being a smoker.

Why is cervical cancer difficult to detect?

Cervical cancer is difficult to detect because it is often asymptomatic, and the cervix is not easily visible or palpable.

What are the common symptoms of cervical cancer?

Common symptoms include bleeding after intercourse, painful intercourse, pelvic pressure or pain, and increased vaginal discharge.

How is cervical cancer treated?

Treatment for cervical cancer is divided into three categories: pre-cancers, early-stage cancers, and advanced cancers, with treatments ranging from in-office procedures to aggressive surgery and a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.

Can fertility be retained after cervical cancer treatment?

Yes, there are new techniques that allow women to retain fertility even after being treated for cervical cancer.

How can cervical cancer be prevented?

Cervical cancer can be prevented through vaccination against HPV, which is 99% effective, and through routine Pap smears and HPV tests for women or patients with a cervix aged 21 or older.

Why is the HPV vaccine recommended for both boys and girls?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for both sexes because boys can be carriers and can infect later partners, and they are also susceptible to penile cancer caused by HPV.