Cervical cancer most commonly develops between the ages of 40 and 55. Its precise cause is unknown, but factors linked to an increased risk include beginning sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and having multiple sex partners; contracting genital warts; and tobacco use. The best means of detection is a pap smear, which all women should have at least every three years, and more often if they have any of the high risk factors listed above. In a pap smear test, a sample of cells is collected from the cervix and sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
Medical Treatments: Most extensive cervical cancer almost always requires surgery, often a radical hysterectomy. This operation may be followed up with radiation therapy. Occasionally, radiation precedes or substitutes for surgery. Radiation can be administered externally in the form of low-dose X-rays or internally as radioactive rods inserted into the vagina and uterus.
The four stages of cervical cancer:
Stage O: 100% five-year survival.
Stage I: Cancer confined to the cervix. 85%, five year survival.
Stage II: Cancer extends to the upper third of the vagina or the tissue around the uterus, but not the pelvic wall. 50 to 60%,five year survival.
Stage III: Cancer involves the vagina and the pelvic side wall, and possible the kidneys. 30 percent five-year survival.
Stage IV: Cancer extends beyond the pelvic organs, involving the bladder or rectum, or metastases to distant organs, most often the lung, liver and sometimes the bone 10% survival.
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