Cervical cancer affects women, and many guidelines recommend screening for cervical cancer changes from age 21. Cervical cancer screening helps detect abnormal cells in the cervix that may later develop into cancer. Screening tests for cervical cancer include:

• HPV DNA testing is collecting cells from the cervix and testing them for any of the HPV viruses that lead to cervical cancer. Note there are many types of HPV viruses, and only some increase one’s susceptibility to cervical cancer.
• Pap test: during a Hong Kong cervical cancer screening, a doctor collects cells from your cervix and then examines them in the lab for abnormalities. A cervical screening test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix and changes that may lead to the development of cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer diagnosis

When the doctor detects abnormal cells in your cervix, the next step is a thorough examination of the cervix to ascertain the results. They can use a magnifying instrument called a colposcope to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. During the examination, the doctor will likely obtain more cells or tissue from your cervix for further investigation.

The following processes are used to obtain the tissue from the cervix:

• Punch biopsy involves using a unique sharp tool to pinch off some cervical tissue samples.
• Endocervical curettage uses a spoon-shaped instrument called a curette to scrape tissues from the cervix.
• An electrical wire loop involves using a low-voltage electrical wire under local anesthesia to obtain a cervical tissue sample.
• Conization, also known as a cone biopsy, might be the last result if the other procedures don’t work. It allows the doctor to obtain deeper layers of a cervical tissue sample under local anesthesia.

The procedures mentioned above help the doctor ascertain the cervical cancer diagnosis. Discussing your cervical cancer screening options with your doctor is advisable.

Staging

If diagnosed with cervical cancer, the next step that follows is staging. Staging determines how far the cancer has extended in the cervix and the surrounding parts. It is key in determining the treatment plan. you may undergo the following staging exams:

• A visual examination of your bladder and rectum using special scopes.
• Imaging tests like x-ray, MRIs, CTs, and positron emission tomography (PET) to determine whether the cancer has extended beyond the cervix.

Cervical cancer treatment

The treatment of cervical cancer varies depending on the stage, other health problems you may have, medical history, and personal preferences. Programs like the Hong Kong cancer fund can help you with the financial burden of cervical cancer treatment. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of two therapies may be used to treat your cancer. Let’s look at them.

Surgery

Surgery is the most suitable treatment method if diagnosed with early-stage cervical cancer. However, the best surgery for you depends on the cancer stage, the size of the tumor, and whether you would like to bear children in the future. Surgical options include:

• Cone biopsy is suitable for cutting away cervical cancer only while leaving the rest of the cervix intact. This option is ideal for small cancer, and you may consider becoming pregnant later.
• Trachelectomy: this one removes the cervix and the surrounding parts but doesn’t touch the uterus, so it is possible to bear kids in the future.
• Hysterectomy involves removing the cervix, uterus, part of the vagina, and the surrounding lymph nodes. It is possible to completely cure cervical cancer and prevent a recurrence using this method, but it makes it impossible to get pregnant in the future.

Radiation

Radiation to treat cervical cancer involves using high-powered energy beams to kill the cancerous cells. It is an option for treating locally advanced cervical cancers and may be combined with chemotherapy for better results. A doctor may also suggest surgery if the cancer is more likely to recur. There are two options when it comes to radiation:

• Internal radiation involves placing a device with radioactive material inside your vagina.
• External radiation directs a radiation beam at the affected body area.
• Your doctor may also suggest using internal and external radiation to treat your cancer.

If you want to become pregnant in the future, discuss egg preservation options with your doctor since radiation may make trigger menopause.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals to treat cancer cells, and the doctor may administer it in injection, pill form, or both. The doctor may use low chemotherapy doses plus radiation if diagnosed with locally advanced cervical cancer. Higher doses of chemotherapy are recommended for highly advanced cervical cancers.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is mainly combined with chemotherapy to enhance its effects and targets specific weaknesses within the cancer cells, causing them to die. It is an ideal treatment option for advanced cervical cancer.

Immunotherapy

As you may already know, being diagnosed with cervical cancer affects your immune system. Consequently, your body may be unable to fight the cancer cells since they produce proteins that make them undetectable by the immune system. Immunotherapy is a treatment option to help your body fight cancer cells, and your doctor may suggest it, especially when other therapies don’t produce the desired results.

Palliative care

Palliative care is support from specialists aiming to provide relief and support for dealing with cervical cancer. These specialists collaborate with you, your doctor, and your family to provide an extra layer of support to help you cope with the aftermath of a hong kong cervical cancer diagnosis. A team of doctors, nurses, and other skilled health professionals is responsible for providing palliative care.

Palliative care complements ongoing care, such as chemotherapy, to improve your quality of life even as you deal with cancer. Consequently, it may help you live longer.

Coping

No one is ever prepared for a cervical cancer diagnosis, and it can be a devastating moment. With time you can discover how to cope and take steps to control the situation. Learning about cervical cancer helps you make decisions about your treatment and care. Finding someone to talk to, whether family or friends, is also advisable to help you deal with the emotional effects of the diagnosis.