Most women with early-stage cervical cancer feel completely normal. There is no pain, warning signs, or obvious reason to think anything is wrong. And that is exactly why regular cervical cancer screening saves lives.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It begins when normal cervical cells slowly change into pre-cancerous cells before eventually becoming cancer. When these changes are detected early, treatment is highly effective, and in many cases, cancer can be prevented altogether.
In Malaysia, cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 44.
Cervical cancer does not look the same in every woman. Under the microscope, doctors classify it into two main types:
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form responsible for about 90% of cases. It develops from the thin, flat cells on the outer surface of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma is a less common type (about 10%) that begins in the glandular cells higher inside the cervix.
Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Most people’s immune systems clear HPV naturally. But in some women, the virus remains. Over time, it silently alters cervical cells, creating pre-cancerous changes that can eventually turn into cancer if left untreated.
There are 14 high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cases. HPV can be transmitted through both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual contact, which means any sexually active woman is at risk.
What makes HPV especially dangerous is this: It usually causes no symptoms.
Your risk of cervical cancer increases if you have:
A persistent HPV infection
HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia
Multiple sexual partners
A weakened immune system from chronic illness or medication
In its early stages, cervical cancer often causes no symptoms at all.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear, including:
Unusual vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause)
Watery, bloody, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Pelvic, lower back, or abdominal pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Painful urination or frequent urination
These symptoms are common to many less serious conditions. That is why screening, not symptoms, is your best protection.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical and gynaecological examination. Blood and urine tests may be performed.
Colposcopy is the key diagnostic test. A special magnifying device allows doctors to examine the cervix closely and detect abnormalities invisible to the naked eye. If necessary, a biopsy is taken for laboratory analysis.
Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays help determine how far the disease has progressed.
Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and may include:
Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer and may involve:
Cervical conisation: Removal of a cone-shaped portion of cervical tissue for diagnosis or treatment
Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, allowing the possibility of future pregnancy
Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus and cervix, after which pregnancy is no longer possible
Pelvic exenteration: Extensive surgery involving removal of multiple pelvic organs, reserved for advanced cases where other treatments are ineffective
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. It may be used as a primary treatment for advanced disease or to relieve symptoms.
Types of radiotherapy include:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation delivered from outside the body
Brachytherapy: Placement of radioactive material inside or near the vagina for short durations
Chemotherapy involves the intravenous administration of cancer-killing drugs that circulate throughout the body to destroy cancer cells.
The most powerful protection against cervical cancer is prevention.
Vaccines prevent high-risk HPV infections and work best when given before sexual activity begins.
Pap test: Detects abnormal or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix
HPV DNA test: Identifies high-risk HPV infection
Most women with early-stage cervical cancer feel completely normal. There is no pain, warning signs, or obvious reason to think anything is wrong. And that is exactly why regular cervical cancer screening saves lives.
Cervical cancer develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It begins when normal cervical cells slowly change into pre-cancerous cells before eventually becoming cancer. When these changes are detected early, treatment is highly effective, and in many cases, cancer can be prevented altogether.
In Malaysia, cervical cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women, especially those between the ages of 15 and 44.
Cervical cancer does not look the same in every woman. Under the microscope, doctors classify it into two main types:
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common form responsible for about 90% of cases. It develops from the thin, flat cells on the outer surface of the cervix.
Adenocarcinoma is a less common type (about 10%) that begins in the glandular cells higher inside the cervix.
Nearly all cervical cancer cases are caused by a persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Most people’s immune systems clear HPV naturally. But in some women, the virus remains. Over time, it silently alters cervical cells, creating pre-cancerous changes that can eventually turn into cancer if left untreated.
There are 14 high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer. Types 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cases. HPV can be transmitted through both penetrative and non-penetrative sexual contact, which means any sexually active woman is at risk.
What makes HPV especially dangerous is this: It usually causes no symptoms.
Your risk of cervical cancer increases if you have:
A persistent HPV infection
HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system
Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia
Multiple sexual partners
A weakened immune system from chronic illness or medication
In its early stages, cervical cancer often causes no symptoms at all.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear, including:
Unusual vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause)
Watery, bloody, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Pelvic, lower back, or abdominal pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Painful urination or frequent urination
These symptoms are common to many less serious conditions. That is why screening, not symptoms, is your best protection.
Diagnosis begins with a detailed discussion of your medical history and symptoms, followed by a physical and gynaecological examination. Blood and urine tests may be performed.
Colposcopy is the key diagnostic test. A special magnifying device allows doctors to examine the cervix closely and detect abnormalities invisible to the naked eye. If necessary, a biopsy is taken for laboratory analysis.
Imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, and X-rays help determine how far the disease has progressed.
Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and may include:
Surgery is often the primary treatment for early-stage cervical cancer and may involve:
Cervical conisation: Removal of a cone-shaped portion of cervical tissue for diagnosis or treatment
Trachelectomy: Removal of the cervix while preserving the uterus, allowing the possibility of future pregnancy
Hysterectomy: Complete removal of the uterus and cervix, after which pregnancy is no longer possible
Pelvic exenteration: Extensive surgery involving removal of multiple pelvic organs, reserved for advanced cases where other treatments are ineffective
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumours. It may be used as a primary treatment for advanced disease or to relieve symptoms.
Types of radiotherapy include:
External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Radiation delivered from outside the body
Brachytherapy: Placement of radioactive material inside or near the vagina for short durations
Chemotherapy involves the intravenous administration of cancer-killing drugs that circulate throughout the body to destroy cancer cells.
The most powerful protection against cervical cancer is prevention.
Vaccines prevent high-risk HPV infections and work best when given before sexual activity begins.
Pap test: Detects abnormal or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix
HPV DNA test: Identifies high-risk HPV infection
Women aged 21 and above should undergo screening every three years, or as advised by their doctor.
Additional protective steps include practising safe sex, limiting sexual partners, and avoiding smoking.
Almost half of cervical cancer cases are detected early, when treatment is most successful.
If you are 21 or older, routine screening is one of the most important health decisions you can make for yourself.
Early detection changes everything. At Prince Court Medical Centre, our gynaecologists and oncologists provide comprehensive care from screening and diagnosis to personalised treatment plans and long-term support.
If you have concerns or are due for screening, this is your sign to act.
Contact us today to book an appointment to learn more about cervical cancer screening and treatment options.
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