Question 1) What is the most likely cause of cervical cancer?

3%

The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV infection
is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths. These infections
are often transmitted sexually or through other skin-to-skin contact. According to the World
Health Organization (n.d), most infections occur after people become sexually active, and most
people clear the virus without problems.

Question 2) Explain the pathophysiology for cervical cancer in relation to the cause you have
indicated. 22%

Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells in the cervix develop changes (mutations) in their
DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. Healthy cells grow and
multiply at a set rate, eventually dying at a set time. The mutations tell the cells to grow and
multiply out of control, and they don't die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a mass
(tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumor to spread
(metastasize) elsewhere in the body.

When the body’s immune system can’t get rid of an HPV infection with oncogenic HPV types, it
can linger over time and turn normal cells into abnormal cells and then cancer. About 10% of
women with HPV infection on their cervix will develop long-lasting HPV infections that put them
at risk for cervical cancer (Muliira et al., 2016). Similarly, when high-risk HPV lingers and infects
the cells of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, it can cause cell changes called precancers. These
may eventually develop into cancer if they’re not found and removed in time; these cancers are
much less common than cervical cancer (Muliira et al, 2016).
Question 3) State any 5 predisposing factors for cervical cancer. 15%

Smoking: When someone smokes, they and those around them are exposed to many cancer-
causing chemicals that affect organs other than the lungs. These harmful substances are
absorbed through the lungs and carried in the bloodstream throughout the body

Having multiple full-term pregnancies: Dutta et al. (2018) asserts that women who have had 3
or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. It is thought
this is probably due to the increased exposure to HPV infection with sexual activity.

Long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills): Taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for a
long time increases the risk of cancer of the cervix (Dutta et al., 2018). Dutta et al., (2018)
suggests that the risk of cervical cancer goes up the longer a woman takes OCs, but the risk
goes back down again after the OCs are stopped, and returns to normal many years after
stopping.

Chlamydia infection: Chlamydia is a relatively common kind of bacteria that can infect the
reproductive system. It is spread by sexual contact. Women who are infected with chlamydia
often have no symptoms and they may not know that they are infected at all unless they are
tested during a pelvic exam.

Having a weakened immune system: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that
causes AIDS, weakens the immune system and puts people at higher risk for HPV infections. The
immune system is important in destroying cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread.

Question 4) State 5 strategies which can be used in the prevention of cervical cancer. 10%

Using condoms during sex: Condoms (“rubbers”) provide some protection against HPV but they
don’t completely prevent infection. One reason that condoms cannot protect completely is
because they don’t cover every possible HPV-infected area of the body, such as skin of the
genital or anal area. Still, condoms provide some protection against HPV, and they also help
protect against HIV and some other sexually transmitted infections.
Avoiding smoking: Not smoking is another important way to reduce the risk of cervical pre-
cancer and cancer.

Limiting exposure to HPV: HPV is passed from one person to another during skin-to-skin
contact with an infected area of the body. Limiting the number of sex partners and avoiding sex
with people who have had many other sex partners may lower your risk of exposure to HPV.

Geting an HPV vaccine: Vaccines are available that can help protect children and young adults
against certain HPV infections. These vaccines protect against infection with the HPV types
most commonly linked to cancer, as well as some types that can cause anal and genital warts.

Sexual abstinence: Especially for women not yet in marriages, abstinence from sex is the best
prevention from cervical cancer as the HPV virus is passed mostly through sexual intercourse.

References

Muliira, R.S., Salas, A.S., & O'Brien, B. (2016). Quality of Life among Female Cancer Survivors in
Africa: An Integrative Literature Review. Asia-Pacific Journal of Oncology Nursing. 4 (1): 6–7

Dutta, T., Meyerson, B., & Agley, J. (2018). African cervical cancer prevention and control plans:
A scoping review. Journal of Cancer Policy. 16: 73-74
WHO (n.d). Cervical Cancer. [Online] Availability at:
https://www.who.int/health-topics/cervical-cancer#tab=tab_1 [Accessed 25 September 2022].