January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time to raise awareness about this preventable disease. While significant strides have been made in prevention, early detection remains key to successful treatment.
Cervical cancer develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is the primary cause of most cervical cancers.
First off, the HPV vaccine is a game-changer. It’s effective at preventing the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. And guess what? It’s not just for girls anymore – guys should get it too to prevent penile, anal and throat cancer!
Now, even with the vaccine, it’s important to get screened regularly. Your doctor can do a Pap test or an HPV test, or sometimes both. These tests help find any abnormal cells early on, which is key to catching things before they become a problem.
Most of the time, early-stage cervical cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms, but there are a few things to watch out for. These include any unusual bleeding – like bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause. Also, be on the lookout for any unusual discharge, especially if it’s watery, bloody, or has an odd smell. And if you’re experiencing any pelvic pain or discomfort, it’s always best to check with your doctor.
If cervical cancer is found, there are several treatment options, including:
- Surgery: This may involve removing the cervix (simple trachelectomy), removing the cervix and nearby tissues (radical trachelectomy), or removing the entire uterus with the cervix and additional tissues (hysterectomy).
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy often works best when it’s part of a team effort. It might be combined with chemotherapy or surgery.
- Chemotherapy: Medications are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
- Targeted therapy: Medications target specific weaknesses in cancer cells.
Let’s Talk More About Radiation Therapy Options for Cervical Cancer
So, we know radiation therapy can be a powerful tool in the fight against cervical cancer. But what does that actually mean?
Basically, there are two main types:
- External Beam Radiation: Think of it like this: Some fancy techniques like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) are like smart targeting systems. They focus the radiation beam precisely on the tumor, minimizing damage to the good stuff around it.
- Brachytherapy: This is a more targeted approach. Imagine tiny radioactive rings, rods, or needles being placed right inside or near the tumor.
Now, let’s talk side effects. Radiation therapy can cause fatigue, skin irritation, bladder irritation, diarrhea, nausea. But the good news is, these side effects usually go away after treatment, and your Radiation Oncology team at MRO can help. There is also potential for permanent damage to bladder, bowel, pelvic bones, risk of sexual dysfunction, infertility, and premature menopause.
By staying informed, taking preventive measures, and seeking regular screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk of cervical cancer and increase your chances of early detection and successful treatment. If you have cervical, or other gynecologic cancer, talk to your MRO care team about options tailored for you!
