CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus
connected to the vagina. This is due to abnormal growth of cells that has the ability to spread or invade
other parts of the body.

STAGES OF CERVICAL CANCER

Stage I:Cancer is found only in the cervix. It hasn't spread and is small

Stage II:Cancer has spread beyond the cervix into the uterus but hasn't yet spread to the pelvic wall or
the vagina

Stage III:Cancer has spread to to the lower part of the vagina and may have spread to the pelvic wall ,
urethers and nearby lymph nodes.

Stage IV:Cancer has spread to your bladder, rectum or other parts of your body like the bones or lungs.

CAUSES

The actual cause of cervical cancer is unknown but it is believed that an infection of the human
papilloma virus is the main cause. It is a common virus passed from one person to another during sex.

RISK FACTORS

 Early age at first sex or first pregnancy

 Multiple sexual partners
 History of STI's
 Hereditary
 Excessive use of oral contraceptives
 Frequent douching

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

In early stages, the woman may experience

 Thin or watery vaginal discharge.

 Menorrhagia (abnormal bleeding from the uterus)
 Post menopausal bleeding
 Polymenorrhea (
Late symptoms include
 Dark fowl smell
 Pelvic , abdominal or back pain
 Weight loss
  Leg oedema
 Dysuria (painful urination)

INVESTIGATIONS

A pap test can detect abnormal cells in the cervix including cancer cells and cells that show changes that
can increase risk of cervical cancer.

A cervical screening test is also done to detect HPV which can lead to cell changes in the cervix.

CT scans can also help determine if cancers has spread to the lymph nodes in the abdomen and pelvis or
into the liver or lungs or elsewhere.

TREATMENT

Anti cancer medications can be given before treatments in advanced condition

Radiotherapy: Radiation therapy uses x rays to kill or damage cancerous cells.The radiation is targeted at
the cervix and carefully planned to do as little harm as possible to healthy tissues

Chemotherapy

Radical hysterectomy:This is the removal of the uterus and much of the surrounding tissue , including
lymph nodes and upper part of the vagina if cancer has advanced.

PREVENTION

 Avoid routine douching

 Assess sexual partner for any signs of infection
 Clean genital area with mild soap and water daily
 Pap test is encouraged in women above 15 every year with pelvic exam.

PRE- OPERATIVE PREPARATION OF PATIENT

 Establish rapport and explain procedure to the patient

 Allow the patient to ask questions and clear his doubts
 Introduce the patient to someone who has had a similar surgery and recovered from it
 Let the patient see the persons , places and equipment involved
 Obtain informed consent
 Patient should be informed on the removal of all jewelry and give to relatives or trusted
acquaintance
 Removal of lip stick and nail polish
 Removal of hair pins ,clips or any metalic object
 Shave area to be operated on and have a thorough bath ensuring they also empty their bowels
 Remind them on the importance of fasting before surgery and stopping all medication intake
unless specifically ordered not to.

POST OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT

 Make sure patient is breathing when transported firm the theatre

 Make sure patient is comfortable
 Check vital signs
 Observe for any abnormalities like bleeding etc
 Provide analgesics to release pain
 Inquire from patient about any pain or discomfort
 Document findings

REDUCING DISCRIMINATION IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING

Discrimination is the unfair and prejudicial treatment of different categories of people especially
on the grounds of race, ethnicity, age, sex or disability. Discrimination in the health care setting
can be defined as negative actions or lack of considerations given to an individual or group that
occurs because of a preconceived and unjustified opinion .

Discrimination goes in hand with stigmatization. So when someone treats you differently
because of your condition, it’s discrimination and when a person is defined by their condition
rather than who they are , it’s stigmatization.

REDUCING DISCRIMINATION IN THE HEALTH CARE SETTING

1. Respecting diversity by providing person centered care

2. Treat the individuals you support as unique rather than treating all individuals the same
way
3. Ensure you work in a non judgmental way. Do not allow your beliefs to affect the care
and support you provide
4. Follow the agreed ways of work in your workplace to create an environment free from
discrimination
5. Work in an inclusive way that sees the position input that all individuals can make to
their own care and society.
6. Be confident to confront any discriminatory practice if you see this in your work place.