49-Year-Old Woman Dismissed Her Persistent Back Pain. It Turned Out to Be Cervical Cancer

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that cervical HPV prevalence is highest among women in sub-Saharan Africa [which Uganda is a part of], at approximately 24%, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 16%, and Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia at 14%.

Sharing her story with The Weekly Observer, Ugandan weekly newspaper, Nyamwija recounted what led to her being diagnosed with cancer at the Uganda Cancer Institute.

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Nyamwija said her first warning sign was constant lower-back pain, which she initially dismissed as nothing to worry about.

However, she later developed boils on her cervix and underwent surgery at a local clinic. About two months later, the pain returned, this time accompanied by vaginal bleeding.

She admitted that it wasn’t under her brother urged her to see a doctor that she decided to get checked again.

Doctors initially diagnosed Nyamwija with stage 2 cervical cancer, but by the time she began treatment, the disease had advanced to stage 3.

She underwent a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and was eventually told there was no evidence of cancer.

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However, the disease later returned, prompting another round of chemotherapy. This time, the treatment was successful, and she was once again declared cancer-free.

RELATED: What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Screenings

Nyamwija, who has admitted to struggling with the emotional and financial burdens of the disease, praised her family as her support system through her arduous health journey

“If there is one thing that carried me through years of treatment and relapse, it was my family,” said Nyamwija.

Nyamwija hopes telling her story will inspire more Ugandans to seek medical care when they notice unusual symptoms, stay up to date with cancer screenings and offer support to loved ones during treatment.

 Close the Gap in Racial Disparity “Access to Care is Key”

Navigating a Cervical Cancer Diagnosis

Cervical cancer forms in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which connects the uterus to the vagina, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue,” the NCI explains.

“Over time, if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.”

It’s important to know there are two main types of the disease, squamous cell carcinoma (up to 90% of cervical cancers) and adenocarcinoma.

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Squamous cell carcinoma forms in the cells of the ectocervix (outer part of the cervix) and adenocarcinoma develops in the glandular cells of the endocervix (inner part of the cervix).

Cervical cancer is often difficult to detect as it doesn’t normally have symptoms until the disease has spread.

The NCI explains that symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer may include:

• vaginal bleeding after sex
• vaginal bleeding after menopause
• vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
• vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
• pelvic pain or pain during sex

Symptoms of a advanced cervical cancer may include:

• difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum during bowel movements
• painful urination or blood in the urine
• dull backache
• swelling of the legs
• abdominal pain
• fatigue

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“These symptoms may be caused by many conditions other than cervical cancer. The only way to know is to see a health professional. If it is cervical cancer, ignoring symptoms can delay treatment and make it less effective,” the NCI explains.

Tools to Help Cervical Cancer Prevention

A pap smear is an option to detect cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.

The added value of pap smears is that symptoms of cervical cancer might show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4, making it more challenging to treat. This critical procedure helps doctors catch signs of the disease early. Furthermore, pap smears can lead to broader and more effective treatment options.

One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV).

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is “a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex,” the National Cancer Institute says. HPV infection is linked to multiple cancers, and the majority of sexually active people will get the disease at some point in their lives.

A study presented during last year’s American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 2023 annual meeting found that public awareness of the link between HPV and cervical cancer was on the decline.

“The important thing to know about HPV is that there are many different strains, and only a couple of them tend to be more cancer-inducing,” Dr. Allen Ho, a head and neck surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, told SurvivorNet.

“Probably less than 1% of the population who get infected happen to have the cancer-causing virus that somehow their immune system fails to clear, and over 15 to 20 years [it] develops from a viral infection into a tumor, and cancer,” Dr. Ho added.

Protecting Against HPV

The HPV vaccine is recommended to protect against HPV and, therefore, HPV-related cancers.

Gardasil 9 is an HPV vaccine that offers protection against “nine HPV types: the two low-risk HPV types that cause most genital warts, plus seven high-risk HPV types that cause most HPV-related cancer,” according to the National Cancer Institute.

The vaccine creates an immune response to HPV 16, the primary cause of 92% of head and neck cancers. Once children are vaccinated, they cannot be infected with that strain. For parents, the HPV vaccine enables them to protect their children from developing cancer in the future.

“The key with the vaccine is that you receive it before you have sexual encounters,” says Dr. Geiger. “So that’s why these vaccines are approved for young children … ages 9, 10, 11 years old, up to age 26.”

The HPV vaccine is recommended for all male and female preteens 11 to 12 years old in two doses given between six and 12 months, according to the CDC.

The series of shots can also start as young as nine.

The CDC also notes that teens and young adults through age 26 who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need the vaccine.

Additionally, people with weakened immune systems or teens and young adults between 15 and 26 who started the series should get three doses instead of two.

Although adults up to 45 can still receive the vaccine, it’s not recommended for everyone older than 26. Still, a person older than 26 could choose to get vaccinated after talking to their doctor about possible benefits, even though it is less effective in this age range, as more people have already been exposed to HPV by this point.

WATCH: Should children get the HPV Vaccine?

Vaccine hesitancy can impede people from getting the vaccine. The concern may come from parents who may feel the vaccine paves the way for early sexual activity. For this reason, some health practitioners educate the public differently about the vaccine.

“I think rebranding the vaccine as a cancer vaccine, rather than an STD vaccine, is critically important,” says Dr. Ted Teknos, a head and neck cancer surgeon and scientific director of University Hospital’s Seidman Cancer Center.

Dr. Teknos believes concerted efforts to “change the mindset around the vaccine” can make a difference.

The Importance of Routine Screenings For Cervical Cancer

Regular cervical cancer screenings play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. SurvivorNet experts explain that timely cervical cancer screenings are essential because they:

• Help identify abnormal cells early: Screenings can detect abnormal cervical cells (also called cervical dysplasia) before they turn into cancer. Early detection allows for timely interventions and treatment, preventing the progression to cervical cancer.
• Reduce the risk of cervical cancer: Consistent and regular screenings have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer. The more often you get screened, the higher the chance of catching any abnormal cells early enough to treat them effectively.
• Confidence in your health status: Regular screenings provide peace of mind, knowing you’re taking steps to safeguard your health. Whenever abnormal cells are detected and treated, it helps maintain your overall well-being and offers reassurance.

Despite the benefits of regular screenings, some people may neglect them due to factors such as a lack of awareness, fear, or procrastination. It’s essential to remember that both the Pap test and HPV test usually take only a few minutes, easily performable during a regular doctor’s visit. The best preventative measure against cervical cancer is attending regular screenings and updating your healthcare provider on any changes in your gynecological health.

Interpreting Your Screening Results

Once your cervical cancer screening is complete, you’ll receive your test results, which can be categorized into normal, abnormal, or inconclusive. It’s important to discuss the results with your healthcare provider to fully understand them and make informed decisions about any necessary follow-up care. Here’s a brief overview of what the results might indicate:

• Normal results: If your screening results are normal, it means there were no significant changes or abnormalities detected in your cervical cells. This is good news and signifies that you are at low risk for developing cervical cancer. However, continue to attend regular screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Abnormal results: Abnormal results do not necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer but can indicate cell changes that may develop into cancer in the future. These changes can range from mild to severe. Based on the severity of the abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, monitoring, or treatment. Some examples of further tests include repeat Pap tests or biopsy.
• Inconclusive results: Sometimes, screening results can be inconclusive, meaning that your healthcare provider cannot definitively determine whether the results are normal or abnormal. This can occur for various reasons, such as an inadequate sample or the presence of blood, inflammation, or mucus. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat test or additional testing to obtain a clear result.

Regardless of the outcome of your cervical cancer screening results, it’s essential to stay informed and advocate for your health. Discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider, and maintain open communication about your cervical health.

Helping You Cope With an Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis

If you are facing a cancer diagnosis, your emotions are likely to run high, which is completely normal. Psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik says emotions are often fluid when coping with a diagnosis.

“The patient or person going through the stressful event should accept that emotions will be fluid. You may feel fine one day and then feel a massive wave of stress the next. It’s also important for those you look to for support, whether that’s a therapist, friends, and family, or both, to understand the fluidity of stress-related emotions,” Dr. Plutchik said.

WATCH: How to cope with complex and changing emotions.

If a stressful event affects how you think and feel, it may be time to seek mental health treatment. This could mean traditional talk therapy, medication, changing lifestyle habits (like exercise and diet), seeking a support group, or many other approaches.

SurvivorNet experts suggest that women who need a little extra help coping with a breast cancer diagnosis.

• Let your family and close friends know, and let them help. So many cancer survivors tell us they want and need support, but are often too preoccupied to make specific requests. Urge those close to you to jump in with whatever practical help they can offer.
• Keep a journal. It can be extremely cathartic to let those feelings loose on paper. Grab a pen and a nice journal and chronicle your thoughts throughout the day.
• Join a cancer support group. Groups in nearly every community offer opportunities to connect with others going through a similar journey. You’ll learn constructive insight from others who can tell you what to expect and how to stay strong on tough days.
• Consider seeing a therapist. Ask your doctor to refer you to a therapist so you can discuss your fears and concerns in a safe space. Often, vocalizing your thoughts and feelings rather than internalizing them can provide relief.

Questions To Ask Your Doctor

If you or someone you love is facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, here are some questions to help you get added clarity from your care team about your treatment journey.

• Which treatments do you recommend for my specific case, and why?
• What side effects should I expect from these treatments, both short‑term and long‑term?
• How will treatment affect my fertility, sexual health, or overall quality of life?
• Should I seek a second opinion or consult a specialist in gynecologic oncology?

Check out SurvivorNet’s proprietary AI tool “My Health Questions,” which offers patients and their caregivers added value in navigating a diagnosis.

WATCH: A New Wave of Cancer Patients Using SurvivorNet’s My Health AI Tools For Support

Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff

Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.

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