How does cervical cancer deve­lop? (3/6)

This viral infection is extremely common, yet not every woman with a chronic HPV infection will go on to develop cervical cancer. It takes at least 10 years for the virus to alter the cells and cause cancer. The earlier the signs of cell changes are detected, the greater the chances of recovery.

No typical symptoms 

Cervical cancer is normally symptom-free in the early stages. This is why annual early detection screenings are so important. Symptoms often only develop once the cancer is advanced.
You should consult your gynaecologist if you experience the following symptoms:

• Unusual bleeding: after sex, between your periods or during the menopause
• Unusual and, at times, unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
• Fatigue and unexplained weight loss
• Pain in the lower stomach and pelvis
• Pain when urinating

These symptoms can also be signs of other diseases. You should always consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

A virus which can cause cancer  

Some types of HPV increase the risk of cervical cancer precursors. Around 100 different HPV types have been detected to date. Some of these can affect the mucous membranes in the genitals and, for example, result in harmless warts. 90% of these infections cure themselves without any consequences. Around 70 per cent of cervical cancer cases are caused by the high-risk viruses HPV 16 and 18. if you have been infected with one of these, your risk of cell changes also increases. These two virus types are rare and it takes an average of 15 years for cancer to develop from them. This is where annual cancer screening comes in: this extended time frame enables the precursors to be detected and treated with a high probability of success.

Risk factors

Around 80 per cent of sexually active individuals are infected with HP viruses once in their lives, yet only a fraction of them will get cancer. This means there are other factors which can influence your personal risk, such as:

• Smoking: the carcinogenic by-products of tobacco can be detected in greater quantities in the mucous membrane of the cervix.
• Other infections with sexually transmitted pathogens (STI): other infections such as herpes simplex and chlamydia increase the risk if there is a pre-existing HPV infection.
• Multiple pregnancies and deliveries: experts believe that multiple pregnancies change the tissue in the cervix and thus increase the likelihood of infections.
• Hormonal contraceptives: if you have been infected with HPV, the risk of cancer is slightly increased if you have taken contraceptives containing a combination of oestrogen and gestagen, such as the pill, over a period of many years. 
• Sex at a younger age and a large number of sexual partners: since HPV is transmitted during sex, the risk of infection is increased if you change sexual partners frequently.
• Immunosuppression: an immune system weakened for example by an HIV infection or immunosuppressive treatment is not able to fight HPV infection effectively.
• Vitamin deficiency: a vitamin-deficient diet can also weaken your vagina's immune system.

Frequency

Around 4,600 women in Germany are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. The average age for the onset of invasive cervical cancer, i.e. cancer that crosses tissue boundaries, is 55. The average age of women diagnosed with early-stage cancer is around 35. Gynaecological cancer prevention works to detect precursors to cancer and treat them before they become malignant. Studies have confirmed that the risk of getting cancer is reduced with regular health checks. Preventive measures can also reduce your personal risk, for example getting the HPV vaccination and practicing safer sex.