Early Stage Cervical Cancer, Therapy for Reproductive Health and Quality Survival

Abstract

Cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths, seventh in frequency amongst all the cancers, third most common cancer in women, after breast and colorectal cancers, accounts for 9% of all cancers in women and 4% of cancers in men and women put together. As cervical cancer is being reported in young women, so preservation of reproductive health and survival with quality has become more important during cervical cancer therapy. For quality survival, reproductive health preservation inspite of cancer, early diagnosis and appropriate therapy are essential. Purpose of this article is to share so that others also look into various issues and we try to do the best for prevention of cervical cancer and provide best therapy so that women have survival with quality and reproductive health is preserved, specially in young women. Review of literature was done and self experiences have been added. BACKGROUNDCervical cancer is the seventh in frequency amongst all the cancers, third most common cancer after the breast and colorectal cancers, one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women, specially in developing countries, including India. It accounts for 9% of all cancers in women, 4% of cancers in men and women put together. It is estimated that 530,000 new cases of cervical cancer must have been diagnosed in 2008 [1 -3]. Worldwide, cervical cancer causes around 275,000 deaths per year, 80% in the countries with limited resources [4]. Though it is a preventable cancer, but continues to be a major cause of cancer related deaths globally. However if it is detected in early stage, death can be prevented, quality life is possible and even reproductive health can be preserved by appropriate therapy. Population-based studies from developed countries have shown marked socioeconomic gradients in the incidence and mortality due to cervical cancer. Women from lower socioeconomic strata have 2-3 fold higher risk to have cervical cancer than their affluent counterparts [5 -10]. The difference is mainly because of the availability and utility of screening programs but it could also be related to other causes including diet. Most of the cases of the cervical cancer are because of infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) and experts believe that a diet high in antioxidants, carotenoids, flavonoids, and folate found in fruits and vegetables can help the body fight HPV and also prevent conversion of cervical cells into cancerous cells by HPV. A study revealed that women who had high levels of certain chemical compounds indicating diet rich in fruits and vegetables were able to clear their HPV faster than their peers, reducing the risk of cancer [11]. It is number one cancer in women of East African and South Asian countries in terms of incidence as well as mortality [12]. More than eight out of ten (86%) cases and 88% deaths due to cervical cancer occur in developing countries [3]. It is our experience that in a nearby province where diet is different, disease seems to occur more often in young women and seems to g...

Cervical Cancer Preventable, Treatable, but Continues to Kill Women

“…They are useful in knowing local spread of the disease which helps in the clinical staging for planning the therapy for the best outcome. It is known that simple Visual Inspection, with application of acetic acid, or with application of lugol's iodine, Colposcopy, Cervical-Vaginal cytology Cervical and Vaginal biopsy, not only help in diagnosis of suspicious cases but also in assessing extent of the disease, which is essential for planning right therapy including adjuvant therapies [25]. Cervical cancer continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer deaths worldwide.…”

“…In addition, patient's fear and mistrust of the health-care system, make situation more complex for complete treatment. In a study it was revealed that patients once told that it was cancer and advanced, though there were treatment options, just disappeared from outpatient or after biopsy or at initiation of the therapy [25]. There are several modalities to prevent cervical cancer, vaccination is the latest.…”