Cervical cancer is one of the most commonly occurring cancers among Indian women. Cervical cancer is different from uterine cancer. Uterine cancer arises from the endometrial glands of the uterus while cervical cancer arises from the changes in the cervical cells in the lower part of the uterus.

Causes of cervical cancer

About 70% of cervical cancer is caused due to a virus called Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a DNA virus and there are many strains of it. The HPV strains are classified into low-risk and high-risk groups. For example, strain 6 and strain 11 are in the low-risk groups while strains 16 and 18 are in the high-risk groups. When infected by the low-risk strains the patient may develop genital warts but with high-risk strains the affected cells may turn into cancer cells.

The change from infection to cancer cells occurs over 10 years. Proper screening for cancer by an oncology doctor can help identify the problem early.

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Also Read: Cervical Cancer Basics You Should Know

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Screening tests for cervical cancer

• Pap smear test
• HPV DNA test

These screening modalities will help identify pre-cancerous lesions before they fully develop into cancer.

Cervical cancer prevention

HPV can affect women of any age. There is a vaccine to prevent the infection and the women are advised to get vaccinated early. Ideally, vaccination is recommended at 9 years of age and the maximum age to get the vaccine is 45.

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