Cervical cancer remains a significant threat to women’s health.
As of 2022, the incidence rate of cervical cancer among women aged 15 to 34 was 5 per 100,000, ranking fourth after thyroid, breast, and colorectal cancers. Medical experts emphasize the importance of prevention and early screening.
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. Early warning signs include unexpected vaginal bleeding between periods, bleeding after intercourse, and blood-tinged watery vaginal discharge. However, early-stage lesions may not cause noticeable symptoms, which makes regular screenings essential for early detection.
As the disease progresses, bleeding may become more frequent and severe, often accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge. If the tumor spreads to surrounding tissues, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, leg swelling, and pelvic pain. In advanced cases where cancer invades the bladder or rectum, complications such as bowel and bladder dysfunction can occur. In severe instances, fistulas may form, allowing urine or feces to pass through the vagina.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Transmitted through sexual contact, HPV infections that persist for more than six months to a year significantly increase the risk of cervical cancer. Research indicates that HPV infection raises the risk of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by 250 times.
More than 100 types of HPV exist, with types 16 and 18 responsible for over 65% of all cervical cancer cases. Types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 account for an additional 20% and are classified as high-risk strains. In South Korea, HPV infection rates among women are estimated to be between 10-15%.
Park Jun Sik from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating that even if a person has been previously infected with HPV, vaccination can still protect against other high-risk types.
Early diagnosis of cervical cancer relies on regular Pap smears and colposcopy examinations. If abnormalities are detected, a biopsy is performed for confirmation. In some cases, doctors may recommend a cervical conization for further evaluation.
Park explained that once cervical cancer is diagnosed, imaging tests such as CT or MRI scans are typically ordered to check for metastasis, highlighting that early detection is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
Treatment for cervical cancer varies by stage. Early-stage patients may undergo conization or simple hysterectomy, while more advanced cases often require radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymph node removal. For extensively progressed cancer, doctors may prioritize radiation therapy or chemotherapy over surgery.
Radiation therapy is applicable across most stages and has shown results comparable to surgery. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy may be recommended in cases where high-risk factors persist after surgery.
Cure rates for cervical cancer are 80-90% for stages 1-2 and about 60% for stage 3. However, prognosis remains challenging for advanced or recurrent cases. Recent advancements in immunotherapy and targeted treatments have shown promise, potentially improving survival rates for patients with locally advanced or late-stage cervical cancer.
Women considering pregnancy after cervical cancer treatment require specialized care. Park advised that pregnancy following conization can increase the risk of preterm birth due to a shortened cervix and recommended that such patients seek care from high-risk pregnancy specialists from the early stages of gestation.
Cervical cancer develops slowly, often taking years for normal cells to transform into cancerous ones. Given the clear understanding of its primary causes, it is largely preventable through vaccination, regular screenings, and lifestyle modifications.
