Cervical cancer is one of the better-known gynaecological cancers, as it’s the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. According to the Cancer Council, around 913 women in Australia were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021. The good news is, there is hope it could be eliminated in Australia by 2035, thanks to the national cervical screening program and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program. 

We sat down with Dr Aime Powell, a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Notre Dame to learn more about why early detection is so important and how it can contribute to eliminating cervical cancer in Australia.

How are you involved with cervical cancer research?

I’ve worked as a postdoctoral researcher for the past decade. With a specific interest in the prevention of cervical cancer and the management of its precursor lesion, I truly believe that we can eliminate cervical cancer for all populations of women who live in Australia. I’m also working on The PREVENT Project, which aims to deliver a new and portable cervical screening model to women in rural and remote locations across the Kimberley region.

What is cervical cancer and what are its symptoms?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix. In its early stages, cervical cancer usually has no symptoms. However, if symptoms do occur, they could include: 
●    Vaginal bleeding (between periods), after menopause or after sexual intercourse,
●    Pelvic pain,
●    Unusual vaginal discharge.
It is important to note that these symptoms could also be from other conditions, so it’s important to discuss them with your GP. 

How is cervical cancer related to HPV?

There are different strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, that play a critical role in causing cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus is not cleared and it can survive for years. Persistent, high-risk HPV infection can contribute to the process that causes cervical cells to grow uncontrollably and these changes can progress to cervical cancer.

What is a cervical screening test?

Regular cervical screening is your best protection against cervical cancer. Most women who develop cervical cancer in Australia have either never been screened or do not screen regularly. The only way to know if there are abnormal cervical cells that may develop into cervical cancer is to have a cervical screening test, which your GP can assist you with. It’s recommended that most women aged 25 to 74 should be tested every five years. If you have previously had a cervical screening test, you should have your first HPV test two years after your last screening test. If you have a negative HPV result, you can wait five years before your next screening test. There’s also now a self-collection option, where you take your own vaginal sample with a swab.

How is cervical cancer managed or treated?

A medical team provides patients with treatment recommendations based on the results of their overall health, cervical biopsy result, location of the cancer (and if it has spread), and whether children are desired in the future. Treatment could include surgery and/or a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Can cervical cancer be eliminated?

Research published by the Cancer Council shows that if vaccination and screening coverage are maintained at their current rates, cervical cancer is likely to be eliminated as a public health issue in Australia by 2035. 

While it’s not always possible to eliminate our chances of getting cervical cancer, we do have control over how we manage our chances. Making educated choices to visit your GP will go a long way in preventing and eliminating cervical cancer altogether.