Cervical cancer is caused by a chronic and persistent cancer-causing type of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is transmitted sexually. The infection leads to pre-malignant lesions and progresses to cancer. Because it develops over time, cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer by a cervical screening and a cervical cancer vaccine,
According to Dr. Carrie Pacheco-Purugganan, a Medical affairs manager for HPV and MMRV vaccines of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Philippines, cervical cancer occurs when there is uncontrolled growth of cancer cells developing in the cervix. She explains, “The early precancerous lesions may be silent without any signs and symptoms. Because of this, once the patient develops signs like pain or vaginal bleeding, the cancer may be at an advanced stage already and usually this may be at an advanced stage already ans usually this may mean poorer outcome with higher mortality rate.”
However, Cecap advocate Dr. Marlies Bosch clarifies, “Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer as there are only about 15 cancer causing types, of which HPV type 16 and 18 are the most common, comprising 70-80 percent of all cases.” She also points out that it takes 10-30 years from the time of infection for the lesion to develop into cancer, so you may already have it, but don’t feel a thing. Early cervical cancer has no symptoms and it is only when the disease progresses that you may experience these symptoms, she says.