Why does cervical cancer happen?

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women worldwide. Despite the advances in medical research and preventive measures, it continues to be a significant health issue. Understanding why cervical cancer happens is crucial in terms of prevention, early detection, and treatment. This blog explores the key factors contributing to the development of cervical cancer, its risk factors, and the ways it can be treated via cervical cancer treatment in India. 

Cervical Cancer Treatment India: What is Cervical Cancer? 

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that begins in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It develops over time, starting as precancerous changes and slowly progressing to cancer. The progression takes several years. 

Now let us discuss the causes of cervical cancer one by one, as told by the best doctor for cervical cancer treatment in India. 

Cause 1: HPV

The most significant and well-known cause of cervical cancer is infection with high-risk strains of HPV, also known as Human papillomavirus. Sexually active people get infected by HPV at some point in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own in a year or two, and these short-term infections do not lead to cancer. 

When a high-risk HPV infection lasts for years, it leads to changes in cervical cells, which causes precancerous lesions. If these lesions are not removed, they can ultimately lead to cancer. 

This is why HPV screening, such as the Pap smear (also known as a Pap test) and HPV tests, is critical in detecting abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.

Other Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

While HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, several other risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease, as quoted by the best hospital for cervical cancer treatment in India. These factors either make women more susceptible to persistent HPV infections or contribute to the progression of cancerous changes in cervical cells.

Cause 2: Weakened Immune System

A weakened immune system, caused by factors such as HIV infection or immunosuppressive drugs, increases the risk of persistent HPV infections. The immune system plays a vital role in clearing HPV infections, so when the immune response is compromised, the virus may remain in the body for extended periods, increasing the risk of cervical cell changes.

Cause 3: Smoking

Cigarette smoking is another known risk factor for cervical cancer. According to the best cervical cancer treatment doctor in India, smoking can damage the DNA in the cervix and impair the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to clear HPV infections. Smokers are also more likely to have persistent HPV infections compared to non-smokers. Additionally, women who smoke have a higher likelihood of developing cervical precancerous lesions, which can progress to cancer over time.

Cause 4: Multiple Sexual Partners and Early Sexual Activity

Having multiple sexual partners or becoming sexually active at a young age increases the risk of contracting HPV. This is because the more sexual partners a person has, the higher the likelihood of being exposed to HPV. Early sexual activity also exposes the cervix to HPV before the body has fully developed the ability to protect against infections, increasing the risk of persistent disease.

Cause 5:  Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills

Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) for an extended period (more than five years) has been linked to an increased risk of cervical cancer. While the exact mechanism is not entirely understood, some research suggests that hormonal contraceptives may contribute to changes in cervical cells or increase susceptibility to HPV infection. However, the increased risk of cervical cancer from birth control use is thought to be relatively small and is outweighed by the many other benefits of birth control. This is why HPV screening, such as the Pap smear (also known as a Pap test) and HPV tests, is critical in detecting abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous.

Cause 6: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Having sexually transmitted diseases also increases the risk of HPV, which in turn increases the risk of cervical cancer. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and AIDS can increase your risk of contracting HPV. 

Cause 7: Exposure to Miscarriage Prevention Medicine

If your mother took a medicine called diethylstilbestrol, also known as DES, while pregnant, your risk of cervical cancer might be increased. This medicine was used in the 1950s to prevent miscarriage. It's linked to a type of cervical cancer called clear-cell adenocarcinoma.

Cervical Cancer is Preventable 

Get Vaccinated against HPV

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and is a leading cause of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for people 11 to 26 years old. The ideal time to get the HPV vaccine is before you are sexually active. The vaccine is given in three doses over about 9 months.

Dont Smoke

It is one of the most critical lifestyle decisions you can make for your health. Quitting smoking can save you from all types of cancer. The toxins in tobacco can weaken your immune system and damage your DNA, which is a significant contributing factor to cancer growth. 

Other tips for our readers to prevent cervical cancer

• Get HPV vaccine
• Get timely screenings with Pap smear and HPV tests.
• Follow a cancer-preventive diet. Eat food high in antioxidants and other cancer-fighting nutrients. Avoid large amounts of sugar, sodium, and fat. 
• Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. 
• Limit the number of your sexual partners. If you have multiple relationships, you are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. 

Cervical Cancer Treatment India: Insights from Dr. Sarita Kumari on Cervical Cancer Prevention

As a renowned gynecological oncologist in India, Dr. Sarita Kumari emphasizes that cervical cancer is largely preventable through early detection, vaccination, and lifestyle modifications. The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk strains of HPV, and regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests are essential in identifying precancerous changes in the cervix before they progress to cancer. Dr. Kumari advises women to remain vigilant with routine screenings and consult their healthcare providers for personalized prevention strategies.

In addition to HPV, other factors such as smoking, a weakened immune system, multiple sexual partners, and long-term use of birth control pills can increase the risk of cervical cancer. Dr. Kumari stresses the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle — quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and practicing safe sex — to significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Dr. Kumari also strongly recommends the HPV vaccine for young individuals, ideally before they become sexually active. Vaccination offers a powerful defense against HPV and reduces the likelihood of cervical cancer later in life. By staying proactive with screenings, vaccinations, and healthy habits, women can take significant steps toward safeguarding their health and preventing cervical cancer.

Contact us today to learn more about cervical cancer treatment costs in India and other related things.