Cervical cancer is a malignant growth of a group of undifferentiated cells in the cervix. It can be prevented by the HPV vaccine and a PAP smear screening. This condition can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy depending on the stage and severity. It is quite a rare type of cancer and affects only a margin of all cancer patients.
Causes of cervical cancer
Cervical cancer, like any other cancer, can occur due to no reason or underlying issue. It can develop simply because a bunch of cells have started mutating abnormally.
There are other causes and risk factors that can play a role in assisting this growth. The development and healthy growth of all cells depend on the DNA of each cell which contains genes.
Some genes (oncogenes) control the birth, growth, and maintenance of the cells while other genes (Tumor suppressor genes) make sure the cells die at the right time in the right way.
Cancer is caused when DNA mutates and switches off the tumor suppressor genes. When this happens in the cervix, it contributes to cervical cancer.
HPV
Another cause of this type of cancer is the human papillomavirus. HPV has 2 proteins called E6 and E7 that turn off a few tumor suppressor genes causing overgrowth of cells in the cervix. These cells may sometimes develop changes in additional genes leading to cancer.
Some risk factors can trigger and cause cervical cancer. There are certain factors that one won’t be able to control such as age and genetics. Others can be controlled to a certain level. Some of them are as follows
Sexual history
Several factors concerning sexual activity can affect the chances of developing cervical cancer. They are
- Becoming sexually active at a young age (less than 18)
- Having multiple sexual partners can increase chances
- Having a partner who has a sexually transmitted disease or HPV.
Smoking
Smoking can increase the chances of developing all types of cancer including cervical cancer. The ingredients in a cigarette have cancer-causing properties. The by-products of tobacco are found in the cervical mucus of most women who smoke. Smoking also weakens the immune system, which makes it unable to fight against the tumor.
HIV
HIV can weaken the immune system and subjects patients to higher risks of developing HPV, which may result in the occurrence of cervical cancer. HIV also weakens the immune system. In women with HIV, cervical cancer progresses quicker than it would if the patient had a healthy immune system.
Treatment for autoimmune disorders
Women who take drugs to suppress their immunity as a method of treatment for an autoimmune disease or an organ transplant may face risks of developing cervical cancer.
Chlamydia infection
Chlamydia is caused by a bacteria failed chlamydia that affects the reproductive system and spreads through sexual contact. Apart from affecting the functions of the reproductive system, it may also act as a cause of developing cervical cancer.
Use of oral contraceptives
Long term use of oral contraceptives can increase the risk of cancer developing in the cervix. Having multiple pregnancies can also pose a threat to the cervix due to the following reasons:
- Increased exposure to HPV
- Hormonal changes are known to make women more vulnerable to HPV and cancer growth
- Pregnancy temporarily weakens the immune system.