Cervical Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, Best Exercises for Relief

The third most common form of cancer worldwide, cervical cancer affects millions of women. With a frequency of 18.3 percent cases, cervical cancer has emerged as a global health concern. Regular screenings, health check-ups, and exams can significantly reduce these rates and help prevent cervical cancer causes. But in India, only 1 percent of women are tested regularly for it. This alarmingly low rate is one of the major concerns when it comes to reducing cervical cancer rates. 

In this informative blog, you will understand what exactly cervical cancer is, the various cervical cancer causes, risk factors, how you can recognize its signs, and some exercises to overcome cervical cancer. 

Causes and Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease that is caused by the abnormal, multiplied growth of cells in the cervix. This eventually causes tumors. Cervical cancer causes are many. Let us explore these in detail. 

1. HPV Infection: One of the main cervical cancer causes is the Human Papillomavirus infection. This virus is sexually transmitted. Sometimes the virus passes away on its own, but in other cases, the virus remains in the body causing cells to multiply, gradually leading to cervical cancer. 
2. Several Partners for Sex: Another one of the cervical cancer causes is the engagement in sexual activity with several partners. This increases the vulnerability to the human papillomavirus and the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases too. 
3. Smoking: One of the overlooked cervical cancer causes is smoking. Smoking can damage the cells in the cervix and weaken the immune system. Not only is smoking one of the cervical cancer causes, but it is also the reason for its progression. 
4. Using Contraceptive Pills: Use of contraceptive pills for a longer period does increase the risk of getting cervical cancer. But the exact association between the two, i.e., using contraceptive pills and cervical cancer remains hazy. This one among cervical cancer causes is less studied and the scope of research on it remains. 

Recognize the signs of Cervical Cancer 

1. Bleeding after menopause: Bleeding after menopause is one of the warning signs of cervical cancer. Vaginal bleeding without any particular reason should be looked into seriously by a medical professional.
2. Swelling of the legs: The lymphatic system can be affected due to cervical cancer. Advanced cervical cancer causes swelling in the legs. At this stage, there could be pain and discomfort in the lower extremities of the body. Persistent swelling and leg pain, these signs of cervical cancer an extreme cause of concern and one should immediately get it checked. 
3. Lethargy: Quality of life can get degraded significantly due to cervical cancer, especially when it progresses to the advanced stages. Persistent weakness and fatigue are common signs of cervical cancer and impede the daily functioning of an individual with the disease.
4. Vaginal bleeding after Sex: Vaginal bleeding is one of the signs of cervical cancer. While sometimes, vaginal bleeding after sexual activity is common, persistent or unexplained bleeding can be alarming, especially if there is no other underlying health issue. 
5. Constipation: Constipation is one of the common signs of cervical cancer that is experienced by people in the advanced stages of cervical cancer. Changes in the DNA can lead to cell multiplication in the cervix and when over time these cells accumulate, it can create tumors. These tumors can put a lot of pressure on other organs like the rectum, causing symptoms like constipation. Constipation can also be accompanied by other symptoms. 

Stages of Cervical Cancer

The staging of cervical cancer is important to determine its treatment methods as the treatment for different stages can vary significantly. 

Exploring the Various Phases and its Effects on Therapy

There are mainly four stages in which cervical cancer advances. These stages are mainly classified by the size of the tumor and how it invades and affects the tissues that surround it.

In the first stage of cervical cancer, the tumor is minor and has not spread to other tissues. In this stage, surgery can successfully help get rid of the tumor and one can be free of cervical cancer. Sometimes surgery, along with radiation and chemotherapy is also used to treat the first stage of cervical cancer. 

In the second stage of cervical cancer, the tumor is spread beyond the cervix, but not to the point where it extends to the pelvic area. During this stage, the cancer spreads to the upper part of the vagina and the tissues surrounding the cervix. 

In the third and fourth stages, the cancer is spread to many other organs and parts, like the pelvic wall, lungs, liver, and even the bones. During these advanced stages, a combination of treatment methods is to be used like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, etc. 

After evaluating cervical cancer causes and signs, treatment methods are usually tailored according to the patient’s condition along with considering the stage at which the cancer has progressed. 

Best Exercises for Cervical Cancer Relief

While there isn’t one best exercise for cervical cancer, stretching exercises can help alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility. Strength training, swimming, breathing exercises, and activities like yoga, walking, and pilates can all provide relief to patients with cervical cancer while increasing their strength and resilience. It can also improve their mood and mental health and help them in overcoming cervical cancer.  

Conclusion

It is possible to avoid cervical cancer if it is diagnosed and treated early on. An awareness needs to be spread, in the communities, with initiatives like Wellness at Workplace, community engagement programs, etc. Pap smear tests should be taken regularly and early signs intervened by a medical professional. All of the points mentioned above can be considered to avoid the risk of contracting cervical cancer. 

FAQs

1. Can HPV cause cervical cancers?

Yes, HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV 16 and 18 are notorious for the development of cervical cancer. 

2. Are there other risk factors besides HPV?

Yes, there are other risk factors too. Some of these are low immunity, engaging in unprotected sex with multiple people, smoking, and also a family history of cervical cancer. 

3. Is smoking a significant risk factor for cervical cancer?

Smoking is a risk factor for cervical cancer. Smoking weakens the immune system and makes a person vulnerable to the virus that causes cervical cancer. It can also cause changes in the DNA that lead to cell multiplication. 

4. Does HPV Vaccination Protect Against Cervical Cancer?

By preventing infection with high-risk HPV strains, especially HPV 16 and 18, which causes most of the cervical cancer cases, HPV vaccinations protect against cervical cancer.