Things Every Woman Should Know About Cervical Cancer — Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel is an ESGO-certified gynaecological oncosurgeon offering expert things every woman should know about cervical cancer care at Sterling Hospitals, KD Hospital, and Welcare Speciality Hospital in Ahmedabad.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women but it is one of the most preventable cancers we know. Here are 8 facts every woman should understand.
On this page
- 1. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
- 2. The HPV vaccine is highly effective
- 3. Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
- 4. Most cervical cancers are detected at stage where cure is possible
- 5. Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
- 6. Surgery is for early-stage; chemoradiation for locally advanced
- 7. Fertility can sometimes be preserved
- 8. Second opinions are particularly valuable for cervical cancer
Things every woman should know about cervical cancer — 1. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (types 16, 18 most commonly) causes more than 95% of cervical cancers. Most HPV infections clear on their own; persistent infection is the danger.
2. The HPV vaccine is highly effective
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before first sexual exposure (ages 9-14) but is also recommended up to age 45 in India. The 9-valent vaccine protects against the HPV types causing approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
3. Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
Vaccination does not replace screening. Recommended screening starts at age 25 (Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV testing every 5 years until age 65). Vaccinated women still need screening because the vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type.
4. Most cervical cancers are detected at stage where cure is possible
Stage 1 disease has a 5-year survival above 90%. Stage 2 above 70%. Even Stage 3 has cure rates around 40-50% with chemoradiation. The myth that “cancer = death sentence” is outdated for cervical cancer.
5. Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods can be early signs. They often have benign causes too — but always warrant evaluation.
6. Surgery is for early-stage; chemoradiation for locally advanced
Stage 1A-1B1: surgery (radical hysterectomy or fertility-preserving radical trachelectomy). Stage 1B2 onwards: chemoradiation with brachytherapy. Knowing the stage determines the right treatment.
7. Fertility can sometimes be preserved
For very early disease in younger women, radical trachelectomy (removing only the cervix, keeping the uterus) preserves the option of future pregnancy. This is offered at selected gynaec-oncology centres.
8. Second opinions are particularly valuable for cervical cancer
The exact stage determines the right treatment. Sometimes outside-centre staging is incomplete, and a second opinion can change the treatment pathway from chemoradiation to surgery (or vice versa), preserving organ function or fertility.
What to do next
For HPV vaccination guidance, cervical screening review, or a second opinion on a cervical cancer diagnosis, contact Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel at +91 76988 00333.
Related
External reference: WHO Cervical Cancer Fact Sheet.
FAQs
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (types 16, 18 most commonly) causes more than 95% of cervical cancers. Most HPV infections clear on their own; persistent infection is the danger.
The HPV vaccine is highly effective
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before first sexual exposure (ages 9-14) but is also recommended up to age 45 in India. The 9-valent vaccine protects against the HPV types causing approximately 90% of cervical cancers.
Screening saves lives — even after vaccination
Vaccination does not replace screening. Recommended screening starts at age 25 (Pap smear every 3 years, or HPV testing every 5 years until age 65). Vaccinated women still need screening because the vaccine does not protect against every high-risk HPV type.
Most cervical cancers are detected at stage where cure is possible
Stage 1 disease has a 5-year survival above 90%. Stage 2 above 70%. Even Stage 3 has cure rates around 40-50% with chemoradiation. The myth that "cancer = death sentence" is outdated for cervical cancer.
Bleeding after intercourse is a warning sign
Bleeding after sex (post-coital bleeding), unusual vaginal discharge, or bleeding between periods can be early signs. They often have benign causes too — but always warrant evaluation.
Reviewed by Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel, MBBS, DGO, DNB, Fellowship Gynaecological Oncology, ESGO-certified.