Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide, yet it remains one of the most
preventable and most treatable cancers — if caught early.
In India, awareness is low, myths are high, and many women don’t know the basics about this
disease, its symptoms, or how simple prevention can save lives.
This post breaks it all down — causes, symptoms, myths, diagnosis, and prevention — in a simple,
clear, high-impact way.

What Is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.
It begins with abnormal cell growth, which, if left untreated, can spread to other parts of the body.
The important part?
Cervical cancer doesn’t appear suddenly. It grows slowly over the years, which means early
screening can catch it before it becomes life-threatening.

What Causes Cervical Cancer? (Risk Factors You Should Know)

1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
   The primary cause. Most cervical cancer cases begin with HPV infection.
2. Weak Immune System
   Women with HIV, frequent infections, or compromised immunity (including chronic smokers) are at
   higher risk.
3. Smoking
   Smoking doubles the risk. Tobacco toxins directly damage cervical cells and weaken immunity.
4. Multiple Sexual Partners
   Raises the chance of HPV exposure.
5. Early Sexual Activity & Early Childbirth

Coitarche before 18 years and childbirth before 20 years increase the risk.

6. Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use
7. Low Socio-Economic Status
   Limited access to healthcare, screening, and hygiene raises vulnerability.
8. Unhealthy Lifestyle & Poor Hygiene
   These factors don’t cause cancer alone, but they weaken the body’s ability to fight HPV infection.

Cervical cancer often develops silently in the early stages.
But there are warning signs women should never ignore:
Common Symptoms:
 Abnormal vaginal bleeding
 (between periods, after sex, or after menopause)

 Unusual vaginal discharge
 (thick, foul-smelling, or blood-stained)
 Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse
 Pelvic or lower abdominal pain

Other Possible Symptoms:
 Loss of bladder control
 Painful urination
 Unexplained weight loss
 Constant fatigue
 Lower back pain
Early symptoms are easy to overlook — that’s why regular screening is essential.

Myths vs Facts: What Most People Get Wrong

Myth 1: “I feel healthy, so I don’t need screening.”
Fact: Cervical cancer can grow silently for years. Screening catches it early — before it becomes
cancer.
Myth 2: “Cervical cancer is hereditary.”
Fact: It is not hereditary. Lack of screening is the real risk.
Myth 3: “Only women with multiple sexual partners need screening.”
Fact: HPV is ubiquitous. Anyone who has ever had sexual contact can have it.
Myth 4: “Cervical cancer cannot be prevented.”
Fact: With vaccination + screening + early treatment, it is one of the most preventable cancers.

How Is Cervical Cancer Diagnosed?

1. Pap Smear Test
   Checks for abnormal cells in the cervix. Simple, quick, lifesaving.
2. HPV Test
   Detects high-risk HPV strains responsible for cervical cancer.
3. Colposcopy
   A detailed examination of the cervix using a special microscope.
4. Biopsy
   Confirms cancer by testing a small tissue sample.

How to Prevent Cervical Cancer (What Every Woman Should Do)

“Prevention is always better than a cure.”
And in the case of cervical cancer, prevention is powerful.

1. Get the HPV Vaccine
   HPV vaccination is one of the strongest preventive tools.
   Women can be vaccinated up to age 45.
2. Regular Screening (Pap/HPV Tests)
   As per ACOG:
   Screening should start at age 21, even if you feel perfectly healthy.
3. Quit Smoking
   Smoking weakens immunity and increases cancer risk.
   Seek help, use cessation tools, take small steps — your body heals quickly once you stop.
4. Practice Safe Sex
   Use condoms.
   HPV spreads through vaginal, oral, or anal sex — even skin-to-skin contact.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle & Hygiene
   A strong immune system helps fight infections and reduces risk.
   Final Message: Awareness Saves Lives
   Cervical cancer is not something to fear —
   It is something to understand, prevent, and detect early.
    Get screened.
    Get vaccinated.
    Educate the women around you — sisters, mothers, daughters, friends.
   Awareness isn’t just knowledge.
   It’s protection.