Free cancer support
Cervical cancer
Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the female reproductive system, primarily originating from the cervical epithelium, and is closely associated with persistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes. It most frequently occurs in women aged 30–50 years. Early-stage disease is typically asymptomatic, underscoring the critical importance of regular cervical cancer screening.
Major risk factors include:
- HPV infection: Particularly persistent infection with high-risk subtypes such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, which represent the primary etiological factor.
- Sexual and reproductive factors: Early age at sexual debut and first childbirth, multiple sexual partners, and long-term use of oral contraceptives increase risk.
- Immunosuppression: Conditions such as HIV infection or iatrogenic immunosuppressive states that impair HPV clearance and promote viral persistence.
- Lifestyle and genetic factors: Tobacco smoking, family history of cervical cancer, and low socioeconomic status are also associated with increased incidence.
Ongoing health surveillance and comprehensive nursing care are essential for early detection, optimization of quality of life, and long-term health management of affected patients.
Early-stage cervical cancer is often asymptomatic. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may emerge:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Including contact bleeding (postcoital bleeding), intermenstrual bleeding, menorrhagia, or postmenopausal bleeding; this represents the most characteristic early warning sign.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge: Increased volume, blood-tinged (watery or sanguinous), or foul-smelling discharge.
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort: Dull pain, sensation of pressure, or lumbosacral back pain.
- Urinary or bowel dysfunction: In advanced stages, tumor compression may cause urinary frequency, dysuria, hematuria, constipation, or defecation difficulty.
- Late-stage manifestations: Abdominal distension, lower extremity edema, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss, suggesting possible regional invasion or distant metastasis.
Some patients may experience chronic fatigue or mild lumbosacral discomfort, necessitating prompt clinical evaluation and nursing intervention.
The diagnosis of cervical cancer employs a multimodal approach aimed at early detection, precise histological typing, clinical staging, and formulation of personalized nursing care plans:
- Screening and cytological examination
- Papanicolaou (Pap) smear: Detects atypical or malignant squamous cells; remains the cornerstone of cervical cancer screening programs.
- High-risk HPV testing: Positive results for oncogenic HPV subtypes indicate elevated risk and guide triage and management.
- Imaging studies
- Ultrasonography (transvaginal or transabdominal), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Used to evaluate tumor size, depth of stromal invasion, parametrial extension, and lymph node metastasis.
- Histopathological examination
- Tissue biopsy (colposcopy-directed biopsy, endocervical curettage, or cone biopsy/LEEP): Provides definitive diagnosis by confirming malignancy, histological subtype (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma), and degree of differentiation/grading.
- Molecular and genetic testing
- In selected patients with specific subtypes (e.g., neuroendocrine carcinoma) or for therapeutic decision-making, molecular biomarker analysis (e.g., PD-L1 expression) or genetic testing may be performed to guide personalized treatment strategies and long-term surveillance.
Nursing and supportive care strategies for cervical cancer can be categorized into conventional treatment modalities and personalized supportive approaches, with the primary goals of preserving quality of life, supporting physiological function, enhancing immunity, and promoting overall well-being:
Surgical Management
- Indicated for early-stage disease; procedures may include cervical conization, simple or radical hysterectomy, with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy/sentinel lymph node dissection.
- Postoperative care integrates nutritional support, wound management, pain control, and psychological counseling to facilitate recovery and restoration of activities of daily living.
Radiation and Chemotherapy
- Recommended for locally advanced, high-risk, or recurrent disease to achieve locoregional control and reduce recurrence risk.
- Concurrent supportive care focusing on nutritional optimization, fluid/electrolyte balance, symptom management (e.g., radiation-induced proctitis/cystitis, chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression), and preservation of physical function to minimize treatment-related toxicity.
Personalized Supportive Strategies
- Tailored according to histopathological subtype, FIGO staging, and molecular profiling (e.g., PD-L1, MSI, tumor mutational burden).
- Incorporation of immune-enhancing interventions, targeted nutritional therapy, and lifestyle modifications to strengthen host resistance and holistic health.
Nutritional and Intravenous Supportive Therapy
- High-dose intravenous vitamin C, glutathione, amino acid formulations, and trace element infusions may be administered to improve energy metabolism, support immune function, and facilitate physiological recovery.
- Dietary recommendations: Emphasis on adequate high-quality protein, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, and whole grains; restriction of high-fat and ultra-processed foods.
Individualized Monitoring and Long-term Care
- Serial imaging, hematological monitoring, and tumor biomarker assessment (e.g., SCC-Ag, CA-125, circulating HPV DNA) for surveillance of disease trajectory.
- Development of patient-specific care plans with dynamic adjustment of nutritional, lifestyle, and psychosocial interventions.
- Specialized nursing protocols for patients with chronic inflammation, compromised immunity, or high-risk profiles to optimize long-term quality of life and survivorship outcomes.
