Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be prevented with screening tests and HPV vaccines. Early detection and treatment can protect women from having cervical cancer. But if a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer, then it can be a life-altering experience for her or develop a feeling of stress in her. It is normal to feel this way, but it is crucial to find ways to manage stress as it can have a significant impact on both physical and emotional well-being. You don’t have to get disappointed in this situation, as there are various treatment options available to treat cancer. And Oncoplus Hospital offers the best cancer treatment in Delhi for all cancer types. In this blog, you will learn ways to manage stress after a cervical cancer diagnosis.
5 ways to manage stress after a cervical cancer diagnosis
Cervical cancer can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. However, it is essential to find ways to manage stress to reduce its impact on your health and wellbeing. Here are five ways to help manage stress after a cervical cancer diagnosis.
- Discover Cervical Cancer Treatment Options:
There are various factors on which the treatment for cervical cancer depends, like your overall health status, the stage of the cancer, and your desire to maintain fertility. Generally, people are unaware of the treatment options and how these therapies affect their finances. So, if you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, first you should get a second opinion and talk to your doctor about the questions that are rising in your mind related to cancer, like treatment costs and side effects, etc.
Read More Blog: How Does Raising Awareness About Cervical Cancer Aid In Its Prevention?
- Seek support from loved ones:
Whether it is a family member, friend, or therapist, talking to someone about your feelings and concerns can be incredibly therapeutic. It can provide a sense of relief and support. This will also help boost your morale, as emotional support is very important. Because when you share your thoughts and feelings with someone whom you love, this helps to reduce your stress level. It’s important to have a support system during this difficult time. Joining a support group specifically for people with cervical cancer can also provide a sense of community and make you feel less alone.
- Exercise Regularly:
Physical activity is a great way to reduce stress and improve overall health. Regular exercise can help reduce anxiety and depression, boost your energy levels, and improve your sleep. Even a simple walk can help clear your mind and give you relief from stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the “feel-good” hormone, which helps to improve your mood and overall well-being.
Read More Blog: Physical Activity And Cancer Risk
- Practice Meditation:
Mindfulness helps you be present in the moment and focus on your thoughts and feelings without making any kind of judgment. The mindfulness technique is very effective in reducing stress levels and anxiety. This can be practiced through meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
- Take Good Care of Yourself:
It is very important that you take care of your physical and emotional well-being during this time. You should eat a healthy and nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, as this will help boost your energy levels, reduce stress, and improve your mood. It is essential to get enough sleep, as a lack of sleep increases stress levels and leads to exhaustion. You should get at least seven hours of sleep per night to manage stress and improve your overall health. Not only this, you should go for regular health checkups to diagnose the changes in your health.
In conclusion, a cervical cancer diagnosis can be a stressful experience, but there are many ways to manage stress and improve your well-being. Everyone responds differently to stress, and it may take time to find what works best for you. By talking to someone, exercising, practicing mindfulness and meditation, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet, you can reduce the impact of stress on your life and improve your overall health and wellbeing. These stress management techniques will help you improve your overall health during this difficult time.
Cervical cancer is the cause of death among all women. Cervical cancer begins in the cervix’s cells, and the cervix is the narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the uterus to the vagina. Cervical cancer grows gradually over time. In this type of cancer, the cervix cells undergo changes, which are termed “dysplasia,” in which abnormal cells start to develop in the cervical tissue. If these abnormal cells are not removed, they will spread rapidly in the cervix and surrounding areas over time. January is cancer awareness month, which is why Oncoplus Hospital raises awareness about cervical cancer, and the best cervical cancer treatment is also available here. In this blog, you will learn about cervical cancer.
Types of Cervical Cancer:
Cervical cancers are of two types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Generally, up to 90% of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas that develop from cells in the ectocervix. Cervical adenocarcinomas, on the other hand, are a rare type of cancer that grows in the endocervical glandular cells and is also known as clear cell carcinoma or mesonephroma.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Usually, cervical cancer is difficult to detect because it doesn’t have symptoms. This is because many women don’t even realize they are suffering from cervical cancer.
In the early stages of cervical cancer, the symptoms that women suffer are as follows:
- When the women have vaginal bleeding after sex or menopause.
- If the regular periods are longer or heavier than normal.
- Women suffer from vaginal bleeding between periods.
- The odor of vaginal discharge is stronger or contains blood.
- If the woman feels so much pain during sex.
In the advanced stage of cervical cancer, the symptoms that women suffer are as follows:
- If there is a pain in the bowel and bleeding from the rectum,
- When a woman experiences pain while passing urine or when there is blood in the urine.
- If a woman experiences abdominal pain or fatigue, consult the doctor.
- Or if there is swelling in the legs.
Factors That Increase Your Risk of Cervical Cancer:
- If a person has a weak immune system, then their body cannot fight HPV infections.
- If the person smokes or breathes in secondhand smoke, this will also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
- If the person becomes sexually active before 18 years of age or if they have multiple sexual partners, then they have a high risk of HPV infections.
- Cervical cancer also occurs in those who use oral contraceptive pills or give birth to many children.
Methods for Preventing Cervical Cancer
According to your age, health, and lifestyle, cervical cancer occurs in women. But some precautions can be taken to prevent cervical cancer. The precautions are as follows:
- Get vaccinated against HPV infections.
There are vaccines available for both adults and young children to protect against HPV infections. It is essential to give the vaccine to a person before they are exposed to HPV. This vaccine will help prevent cervix cancer. Usually, the side effects of this vaccine are mild, such as redness, soreness, and swelling at the injection site. HPV vaccination is recommended for children between the ages of 9 and 12. This vaccination is not recommended for those who are older than 26 years of age.
- Regular Pap Tests:
The Pap test is the best test for the early detection of cervical cancer, and it is also known as a Pap smear. A Pap test can also be combined with an HPV test.
- Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA):
VIA is a test that is done with a few tools and also with the naked eye. In this process, white vinegar is applied to the cervix. The doctors then observe the abnormalities on the cervix, which turn white when exposed to vinegar.
- No Smoking:
To protect yourself from cancer, you should not smoke, as smoking leads to squamous cell cervical cancer.
Treatment for Cervical Cancer Is Available:
The treatments that are available for cervical cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. These treatments help kill cancer cells.
Everyone should discuss cervical cancer with their doctors and choose an appropriate screening test as a precaution. Screening tests are recommended for people in their early teens, especially those who are at high risk of developing cervical cancer. Oncoplus Hospital is the best cancer hospital in Delhi for cancer patients.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) is basically a tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal tract of the human stomach. In 2021, approximately 4,000 to 6,000 people will be diagnosed with GIST in the United States. GIST has no known cause, but it is linked to a mutation in the expression of the KIT protein.
If the person is suffering from Stromal Tumors, then they will feel abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in the stool, fatigue, and a feeling that their stomach is full even if they eat a small amount. The top oncology hospital in Delhi, which provides cancer treatment, is the Oncoplus Hospital. A CT scan is the best way to diagnose GIST in the body.
Normally, targeted therapies are used to cure the genes and proteins that help the cancer cells grow. This therapy treatment is provided in advanced cases when the patient’s tumor cannot be removed or when they do not respond to chemotherapy. In this article, you will learn about targeted drug therapy, which is used to treat GIST.
What are the factors on which the treatment depends?
At Oncoplus Hospital, you will get the best oncologist in Delhi. The doctors first determine various factors before giving the treatment to the patient. Like, the size of the tumor, genetic makeup, location of the tumor, whether the tumor has spread or not, and whether the tumor has ruptured on its own or because of surgery.
Targeted Drug Therapy
The drugs prescribed by doctors to treat targeted therapy are:
- Imatinib:
This is the first drug that is used to treat people suffering from GIST. It targets both KIT and PDGFRA proteins and blocks the tumor cells’ growth. Normally, this drug is helpful in advanced stages when the GIST is not completely removed with surgery or if the tumor is large and hard to remove, so in that situation, Imatinib is used to shrink the tumor to make the surgery possible.
- Sunitinib:
This drug is given to a patient whose tumor has not been stopped with Imatinib or if the patient cannot continue to take Imatinib for a long time. In this situation, doctors prescribed them Sunitinib, which is best for advanced GIST. It targets the KIT gene and also helps in preventing blood vessel growth in tumor. But there are some side effects of this drug, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, increased bleeding, and also liver problems.
- Ripretinib:
When Imatinib and Sunitinib are not helpful for treating people, then Ripretinib is given to the patient in advanced cases of GIST. This drug helps to shrink and slow tumor growth. It also targets kinase proteins such as KIT and PDGFRA. But sometimes the patients face some side effects like headaches, vomiting, high blood pressure, etc.
For more information about the targeted therapy for treating advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors, you can visit the top oncology hospital in Delhi.
Cervical Cancer: Preventive measures
Cervical cancer is caused when certain alterations occur in the cervix, cervical cancer takes place slowly over time. There are certain factors responsible for causing cervical cancer majorly Human papillomavirus (HPV) – a sexually transmitted infection.
A number of preventive measures can reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer. A few are discussed below:
1. Having fewer sexual partners
Getting involved with multiple partners sexually, increase the risk of exposure to HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Those women, who are infected with HPV, do not know that they have HPV until they experience some changes in the cervix. That is the main reason why health screening is important. The more sexual partners a female has, the risk of transmitting the HPV virus becomes higher which eventually leads to a high risk of developing cervical cancer.
2. Use of Condom
Since HPV is spread by skin contact of the genital areas, so the use of condoms can help prevent HPV infection by adding a barrier of protection.
3. Stop Smoking
However, smoking is not related to HPV infection but few studies have proved that women who smoke are at more risk of getting HPV infection in comparison to non-smoker women. The reason is smoking ruins the overall immune system, which eventually makes someone susceptible to get infected. Smoking is a risk factor, which can be prevented. Quitting smoking may help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.
4. Healthy Diet
A healthy diet, maintenance of healthy body weight, and regular physical activities can reduce the risk of cervical cancer. This is because a healthy lifestyle boosts our immune system and reduces the Cancer developing changes in the body.
In addition, few fruits and vegetables contain natural antioxidants that help fight diseases such as cancer.
Book an appointment with the medical oncologists for cervical cancer treatment as well as a diagnosis at the best cancer Hospital in Delhi
5. HPV Vaccination
Vaccination targets a number of different strains of the HPV virus preventing the risk of cervical cancer. The vaccine is given in 2 to 3 shots over the period of six to 12 months. The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
Women are instructed to involve in regular vaccination programs to reduce the frequency of cervical cancer.
6. Check-Ups and Screening
Vaccination targets a number of different strains of the HPV virus preventing the risk of cervical cancer. The vaccine is given in 2 to 3 shots over the period of six to 12 months. The vaccine is injected into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm.
Women are instructed to involve in regular vaccination programs to reduce the frequency of cervical cancer.
7. Birth Control
A Gynaecologist places a birth control device knowns as an Intrauterine device (IUD) in the uterus. However, it is not certain but it is believed to be related to the immune system.
Consult Gynaecologist and Oncology team expert at Oncoplus Hospital, Delhi.
Book an appointment with the Best Cancer Specialist at Oncoplus Hospital.
A Guide on Cervical cancer and its treatment
Cervical cancer begins in the lowest portion of a woman’s uterus called the uterine cervix. Cervix connects the uterus with the vagina. Cervical cancer develops over time and is the fourth most common type of cancer for women worldwide.
Signs and symptoms of Cervical Cancer
- Abnormal bleeding per vaginum or abnormal vaginal bleeding: Unusual bleeding after sexual intercourse, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods
- Heavier menstrual bleeding than usual
- Pelvic pain
- Discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse
- Unusual discharge from the vagina: the discharge may be colorless or may contain some blood and may occur between the periods or after menopause.
- Back pain
- Pain during urination
- Swelling in legs
- Urinary incontinence and blood in the urine
- Symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, and bone fractures
- In the advanced stage of cancer, Kidney failure due to a urinary tract or bowel obstruction
These symptoms may also indicate other health problems that are not related to cervical cancer, but it is suggested to consult the expert if you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms to increase the chances of successful management of the case.
Risk factors for Cervical Cancer
- HPV -Human papillomavirus infection: The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papillomavirus, which is a group of more than 150 related viruses. This virus can spread from one person to another person via skin contact.
There is no cure for HPV infection but there are ways to treat warts occurred due to infection and abnormal cell growth caused by HPV. - Smoking: Females who smoke are at more risk to get cervical cancer as compared with non-smoker females. Research proves that few substances present in smoke damage the DNA of cervix cells that may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
- A weakened immune system: Women with a weak immune system put them at higher risk for getting HPV infections.
- Chlamydia infection: A kind of bacteria, Chlamydia, which is spread by sexual contact, can infect the reproductive system. Infection caused due to Chlamydia bacteria can cause pelvic inflammation, leading to infertility.
Women show no signs, who are infected with chlamydia unless they are tested for chlamydia during a pelvic examination. - Less intake of fruits and vegetables: Females who take fewer fruits and vegetables may be at more risk for cervical cancer.
- Obesity or overweight: Overweight Women are more likely to develop cervix cancer.
- Long-term use of birth control pills or oral contraceptives: Research suggests that women who take oral contraceptives for a longer time are at more risk of getting cervical cancer. The risk goes down again after the birth control drugs are stopped, and normalizes about 10 years after stopping.
- IUD or Intrauterine device use: Women with IUD have some risks related to cervix cancer so it is suggested to discuss the possible risks and benefits with her doctor before opting for IUD.
- Having multiple pregnancies: Women who have had more than 3 full-term pregnancies are more likely to have the risk of cervical cancer development.
- Family history of cervical cancer: If someone in the family had cervical cancer that increases the risk.
- Multiple sexual partners: If any woman is involved with multiple sexual partners, more are the chances that she may develop cervical cancer.
- Age: The average age of a woman who is diagnosed with cervical cancer is 48.
Book an appointment with Oncology experts at Oncoplus Cancer care.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
The stage of Cervical cancer like any other cancer indicates the extent to which it has spread in the body. Different stages of any cancer help the oncologist to define the best treatment plan and increase the chances of survival.
Generally, cervical cancer has five stages:
- Stage 0: This stage is referred to as carcinoma in situ (CIS) because, in this stage, the abnormal cells are present only on the surface of the cervix.
- Stage I: In this stage, cancerous cells have outgrown from the surface into deeper tissues of the cervix and possibly into the uterus but have not spread to any surrounding lymph nodes or organs.
- Stage II: In this stage, the tumor has spread beyond the cervix and uterus, affecting nearby lymph nodes but does not involve the pelvic walls or the lower part of the vagina.
- Stage III: In this stage, the cancerous cells have invaded the lower part of the vagina or pelvic wall.
- Stage IV: In this stage, cancer has spread to the bladder or rectum, or to the organs in other areas of the body.
How to diagnose Cervical Cancer
1. Physical examination and Medical history
The first step is the evaluation of the patient by the doctor to define the general state of the patient’s health.
2. Pap Smear
Pap smear is an important and preventive diagnostic tool in diagnosing cervical cancer as this test can reveal abnormalities of the cervix before they progress into cancer.
The Gynaecologist in Pap smear test removes a tiny amount of tissue from the cervix. It is a matter of only a few seconds. The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.
3. Human Papillomavirus Testing
HPV testing is done as a Pap smear test is done. The collected sample is sent to the laboratory to analyze for the Virus.
Women with symptoms of cervical cancer or abnormal Pap results are recommended to undergo the following tests:
- Colposcopy: A lighted magnifying instrument called Colposcope is used to visualize the vagina to see the surface of the cervix closely and clearly. If the Gynaecologist detects any abnormality, a biopsy is done in this case. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue from the vagina, which is sent to the laboratory to look for the abnormal area if it is a pre-cancer, true cancer, or neither.
- Blood tests: A blood cell count help analyze any liver or kidney-related problems.
- CT scan: CT scans are usually done in case of large tumors or if there is concern about cancer spread.
- MRI: MRI shows soft tissue parts of the body sometimes better than other imaging tests.
- Pelvic ultrasound: shows an image of the target area on a monitor.
- A chest x-ray is done to see if cancer has spread to the lungs. This is usually done when the cancer is in an advanced stage.
- PET scan (Positron emission tomography): PET scan is helpful in assessing the affected site other than the cervix as it scans the whole body.
Book an appointment with the medical oncologists for cervical cancer treatment at the best cancer Hospital in Delhi
Treatment Options for Cervical Cancer
Similar to another type of cancer, treatment for cervical cancer too depends on certain factors, such as the stage of cancer, age of the patient, and other health problems the patient may have.
Various treatment options for cervical cancer include Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of the three.
1. Surgery
Surgery is a common treatment method when cancer has not spread from the cervix to other sites in the body.
- Surgery to remove cancer only. It is possible to remove a very small cervical cancer entirely with a cone biopsy. This procedure removes a cone-shaped piece of cervical tissue leaving the rest of the cervix intact.
- Trachelectomy: Surgery to remove the cervix. Trachelectomy procedure removes the cervix and some surrounding affected area in early-stage cervical cancer, leaving the Uterus intact.
- Hysterectomy: Surgery to remove the uterus along with the cervix. Hysterectomy means removal of the Uterus if it is affected.
Treatment for advanced cervical cancer
Cancer Surgery is not the only option when cancer has spread beyond the cervix. Advanced stage cancer requires more extensive treatment, which involves either radiation therapy or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
2. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses beams of high-energy X-rays or radiations to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used after surgery in case the experts detect an increased risk that cancer can come back.
3. Chemotherapy in Delhi
Chemotherapy destroys cancerous cells using certain chemicals or medications. Chemotherapy targets cancer cells that cannot be removed by surgery. Since chemotherapy is a drug treatment so can be given through a vein or taken orally in pill form. Some cervical cancer patients undergo chemotherapy sessions for weeks, while other patients may receive them for months.
In few cases where cervical cancer is advanced locally, chemotherapy is combined with Radiation therapy to enhance the effects of radiation and prevent the symptoms of advanced cancer to distant sites in the body.
4. Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy interrupts the cellular processes that promote the growth of cancer cells using certain drugs. Target therapy is used for advanced cancers. This type of therapy stops the tumors to make new blood vessels, which is required for tumor growth.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system to fight cancer using certain medicines. Immunotherapy is considered in advanced cancer and when other treatment options are not working.
6. Palliative care or Supportive care
Palliative care is supportive care provided by a professional team of doctors, nurses, and other specially trained professionals. Such a team aims at improving the quality of life for patients with cancer and their families. These team professionals work closely with the patients and their families to provide extra support that complements their ongoing care.
With such care along with all of the other appropriate treatments, cancer patients may feel better and live longer.
Book an appointment with the Best Cancer Specialist at Oncoplus Hospital.