How to Prevent Cervical Cancer in HIV+ Women

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the cervix.

 

The main cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) which is a common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse, and it can lead to the development of abnormal cells in the cervix over time.

 

If left untreated, these abnormal cells can turn into cancerous cells and spread to other parts of the body.

 

Who is at risk of getting cervical cancer?

All women are at risk of developing this cancer. However, it is more common among women above the age of 30.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide.

 

In 2020, approximately 604,124 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 341,083 women died from the disease. It is worth noting that 85% of these cases are from low and medium-income countries.

 

In Africa, cervical cancer is the 2nd most common cancer after breast cancer, and the incidence of this cancer is high in HIV-positive women.

 

Women living with HIV have a 5-6 times higher risk of developing cervical cancer than women who are not HIV-positive. Therefore, it is crucial to raise awareness about cervical cancer and encourage women to undergo regular screening to detect the disease early and improve their chances of survival.

 

Ca Cervix and HIV

1. HIV changes the natural history of HPV

2. HIV usually makes the progression to cancer faster

3. HIV+ patients are likely to have:

• Genital HPV
• Persistent HPV infection
• Lower chances of regression of pre-cancer lesions
• Earlier appearance of cervical pre-cancer and cancer
• Higher rates of recurrence following treatment
• Progress to death within 15 months

4. ART (antiretroviral therapy) does not change the progression of pre-cancerous or cervical cancer cells

5. Ca Cervix is an AIDS-defining disease (stage IV)

 

Stages of Cervical Cancer

Stage 1

The initial stage of cervical cancer is called carcinoma in situ, also known as precancer or severe dysplasia. In this stage, a cluster of abnormal cells begins to grow but has not yet spread to nearby tissues.

 

It is important to note that even though stage 0 “precancers” have not yet become cancerous, they are likely to spread deeper into the tissue and become cancerous over time. Therefore, it is crucial to treat them as soon as possible.

 

Stage 2

This means it has started spreading to the upper part of the vagina or tissues around the uterus. With proper treatment, full recovery is likely.

 

Stage 3

Locally advanced cervical cancer is a type of cervical cancer that has spread beyond the cervix and invaded surrounding pelvic tissues. It may require more aggressive treatment options such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.

 

Symptoms include pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and difficulty urinating or having bowel movements. Seek medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms or have concerns about your cervical health.

 

Stage 4

Cervical cancer has spread beyond the pelvis to other organs, such as the lungs or liver, making it advanced or metastatic. Treatment options may be limited, and the prognosis may be less favorable.

 

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer

• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Bleeding after intercourse
• Pelvic pain
• Change in vaginal discharge
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause

 

High-Risk Factors for HPV and Cervical Cancer

1. Smoking

2. HIV infection

3. Higher parity (3 or more)

4. HPV infection risk increased by

• Many sexual partners
• Early sex debut

5. Family history of Ca Cervix (mother or sister)

Remember: Any woman who has ever had sex is at risk for HPV

 

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

One of the most important ways to prevent cervical cancer is by getting regular cervical cancer screening. This involves a Pap smear test, which is a simple procedure that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

 

It is recommended that women get a Pap smear test every three years starting at age 21, or more frequently if recommended by their healthcare provider.

 

In addition to regular screening, getting the HPV vaccine can also help prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is a series of shots that protect against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.

 

It is recommended that girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, but it can be given as early as age 9 and up to age 26 for females.

 

By taking these preventative measures, women can significantly reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer.

 

Treatment of Cervical Cancer

Hysterectomy – a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a woman’s uterus.

 

Chemotherapy – a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is often used in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy.

 

The drugs used in chemotherapy can be given orally or through injection, and they work by targeting rapidly dividing cells in the body, including cancer cells.

 

While chemotherapy can be effective in treating cancer, it can also have side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.

 

Radiotherapy – is a medical treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells.

 

To sum up, cervical cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected at an early stage.