January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Approximately 12,820 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, and nearly one-third of those women will die from cervical cancer.
The good news is that there are steps women can take to protect themselves. Cathy McAfee, Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner at Keystone Community Outreach, shares some important information about this disease.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is when cells in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus) begin to grow out of control. In most cases, this is caused by a virus called The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In the past, cervical cancer was one of the most deadly forms of cancer in women. However, over the last 40 years, survival rates have doubled. This is due in large part to increased use of Pap testing.
What Is Pap Testing?
Pap tests are used to find changes in the cervix, and may also be combined with HPV testing. When changes are discovered before cancer begins to develop, or when the cancer is in an early stage, the disease is much easier to treat. The earlier the cancer or pre-cancer is found, the greater chance the patient has to survive.
Most medical insurance plans cover preventative screenings such as Pap tests. If you don’t have insurance, there are programs such as Keystone Community Outreach which offer screenings at a discounted rate or for free.
Who Should Be Tested?
You should talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to be screened, and how often. Generally, women ages 21-65 are recommended to get regular screenings. If you are older than 65, ask your provider whether or not screening is necessary for you.
You may be at a higher risk for cervical cancer with certain genetic or lifestyle factors, including if you: have a family history of cervical cancer, are a smoker, have had multiple sexual partners, have a weakened immune system and/or have taken oral birth control for five years or longer.
What Are Some Signs Or Symptoms Of Cervical Cancer?
Women who are in the pre-cancerous or early stages of cervical cancer usually have no symptoms; symptoms usually don’t begin until the cancer cells become invasive and spread into nearby tissue. This is why regular screenings are so important.
When symptoms do occur, they can include: abnormal vaginal bleeding (such as bleeding after sex, after menopause, between periods, etc.), menstrual periods which are longer or heavier than usual, an unusual vaginal discharge, and pain during sex.
These symptoms can sometimes be caused by things other than cervical cancer (such as an infection), but if you experience any of the signs above, it’s important to see a healthcare professional right away. The earlier the cancer is caught, the less time it has to advance and spread.
What Can I Do To Protect Myself?
If you are a woman who is 26 or younger you can get the HPV vaccine, which protects against most strains of the virus that can cause cervical cancer. Both girls and boys can receive this vaccine starting at age 9.
Being alert to signs and symptoms is important, but it’s better yet to take charge of your health. By being proactive, being vaccinated if possible, and having regular screenings, your chances of developing cervical cancer will be dramatically reduced.
This article contains general information only and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment or care by a qualified health care provider.
