Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of death in women globally. Increased awareness and early diagnosis has reduced the death toll over the years; but still there is considerable risk that exists. According to the estimated of American Cancer Society, approximately 12,990 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed and about 4,120 women might die from cervical cancer in United States in 2016. There are many risk factors associated with the cause of cervical cancer and the most common is the persistent HPV (Human papillomavirus) infection which accounts 90% of the total cases.

Research showed that psychosocial stress is one of the crucial contributors of the prolonged infection of HPV. Women who smoke, take drugs etc. are more prone to HPV infection which further increases the chances of developing cervical cancer. Women suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Inflammation Bowel Syndrome (IBD) like Crohn’s disease should take extra care as they can be more likely to develop cervical cancer. Age is also an important factor. Trends indicate that occurrence of cervical cancer rises between late teens and mid 30s. Women with lowered immunity are at high risk of developing this cancer. Other factors such as multiple pregnancies, oral contraceptives, more than one sex partners etc. are more likely to contribute to the occurrence of cervical cancer.

Since cervical cancer has a large scope for treatment if detected in early stages, researchers are focusing on developing better ways of detecting precancer and cervical cancer. Prevention has always been better than cure, and in case of cancer early diagnosis increases the survival rate. Regular screening (Pap test and HPV Test) and vaccination is suggested for prevention. Cervical Cancer treatment is based on use of surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy and targeted therapy.

Several chemotherapeutics such as Cisplatin (Platinol; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), Carboplatin (Paraplatin; Bristol-Myers Squibb Company), Paclitaxel (Taxol; Bristol-Myers Squibb), Topotecan (Hycamtin; GlaxoSmithKline), Gemcitabine (Gemzar; Eli Lilly and Company), Bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech) are available for the treatment of advanced stages of cervical cancer. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on targeted therapies, drugs for treating early detection, palliative care and use of biomarkers for accurate detection of cervical cancer.

Insight by
Jyoti Kumari
Associate Analyst 
DelveInsight Business Research, LLP