Cervical cancer

Diagnoses

02. August 2024

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

How Does Cervical Cancer Develop?

This type of cancer is most commonly caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are over 100 types of HPV, but only some are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. The most high-risk types are HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Long-term HPV infection and the expression of oncogenes lead to the progression of precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes are referred to as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and are classified by the degree of severity:

  • CIN 1: Mild dysplastic changes, often regress spontaneously.
  • CIN 2: Moderate dysplastic changes.
  • CIN 3: Severe dysplastic changes that can progress to invasive cancer.

If precancerous changes (CIN) are not treated, they can progress to invasive cervical cancer. This process can take several years or even decades. Invasive cancer means that cancer cells have penetrated through the basal membrane into deeper layers of tissue and can spread to surrounding tissues and organs.

Symptoms
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between periods, after intercourse, or after menopause)
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
Risk Factors
  • Early sexual activity: Early onset of sexual activity can increase the risk of HPV infection.
  • Multiple sexual partners: An increased number of partners increases the likelihood of HPV exposure.
  • Weakened immune system: Conditions like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) reduce the body’s ability to fight HPV infection.
  • Smoking: Toxins from cigarette smoke can damage the DNA of cervical cells.
  • Long-term use of oral contraceptives: Some studies suggest a link between long-term use of oral contraceptives and an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Diagnosis

Cervical cancer diagnosis often begins with regular gynecological examinations, which may include Pap tests (Pap smears) and HPV testing. These tests can detect precancerous changes in the cervical cells, which can be treated before they develop into cancer.

Prevention
  • HPV vaccination: HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing infection with the most high-risk types of HPV.
  • Regular gynecological exams and Pap tests: These screenings can detect precancerous changes at early stages, allowing for timely treatment.
  • Safe sexual practices: Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV infection.
  • Non-smoking: Avoiding smoking can reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
  • Including foods rich in I3C: Such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
What Helps with Cervical Cancer?

Studies have shown that Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) may be effective in the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer. I3C is a natural compound found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C):

  • Antioxidant properties: I3C can help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to cancer development.
  • Detoxification: I3C promotes phase I and II detoxification enzymes in the liver, helping the body eliminate potentially carcinogenic substances.
  • Hormonal regulation: I3C can help regulate estrogen metabolism and reduce levels of 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone, which is associated with an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer.
  • Induction of apoptosis: I3C promotes apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cells, reducing their number and preventing the formation of new blood vessels needed for cancer cell growth and spread.
  • Anti-proliferative effects: I3C can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and prevent their division.
Conclusion

Cervical cancer is largely preventable through vaccination, regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and the consumption of foods rich in I3C.

Sources: 
  • Moreno, V., Bosch, F. X., Muñoz, N., et al. (2002). Effect of oral contraceptives on risk of cervical cancer in women with human papillomavirus infection: the IARC multicentric case-control study. The Lancet, 359(9312), 1085-1092.
  • Shimada, S., & Mochizuki, Y. (2004). Indole-3-carbinol suppresses cyclin D1 expression and induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cell lines. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 324(2), 634-639.
  • Rahman, K. W., & Sarkar, F. H. (2006). Inhibition of nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappaB contributes to 3,3′-diindolylmethane-induced apoptosis in breast cancer cells. Cancer Research, 66(7), 3553-3560.
  • Khan, M. A., & Mukhtar, H. (2012). Combination of indole-3-carbinol and genistein potentiates apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells by inhibiting AKT phosphorylation and mitochondrial depolarization. Cancer Letters, 317(1), 30-38.
  • Bell, M. C., Crowley-Nowick, P., Bradlow, H. L., et al. (2000). Placebo-controlled trial of indole-3-carbinol in the treatment of CIN. Gynecologic Oncology, 78(2), 123-129.
  • Nachvak, S. M., Eftekhari, M. H., Nasirimotlagh, B., et al. (2012). Indole-3-carbinol induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in HPV16-positive human cervical cancer cells. Journal of Biomedical Science, 19, 38.

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