Facts about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in women. In 2011, 12,109 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,092 women died from cervical cancer in the U.S, according to the American Cancer Society. In 2015, it is estimated that about 12,900 new cases will be diagnosed and about 4,100 women will die from it.

In countries like the U.S. where routine screening using the Pap test is recommended, cervical cancer is less common. After the Pap test was introduced, the cervical cancer death rate has gone down by more than 50 percent. A Pap test is a test that looks for changes in the cells of the cervix. During a Pap test, samples of cells are collected from the cervix – the lower part of the uterus – and sent to a lab. Abnormal test results do not always mean cancer, but more testing is needed to look for precancerous or cancerous cells in the cervix.

Abnormal changes are likely caused by a sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus, or HPV. When cervical cell changes are minor, the abnormal cells often go back to normal on their own. However, more serious cell changes that turn into “precancerous cells” can progress into cancer if they are not removed. It is important for women to have regular Pap tests to be aware of and if needed, treat any cervical cell changes that could turn into cancer.

Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV. There are more than 100 different strains of HPV. Some may cause genital warts, some cause cervical or other genital cancers, and some may cause no symptoms at all. 

HPV is extremely common; there are more than 6 million new cases in the US each year. More than 50 percent of sexually active adults will contract HPV at some point in their life, and many are unaware they even have it. HPV can go away on its own within about two years or less. These types of HPV are considered “low-risk”. “High-risk” strains, such as types 16 and 18, cause about 70 percent of all cervical cancers.

Abnormal cervical cells often do not cause symptoms. However, if those cells progress into cervical cancer, you may experience the following:

·         Abnormal vaginal bleeding (between menstrual periods, after sex, or after menopause)

·         Pain in the lower belly or pelvis

·         Pain during sex

·         Abnormal vaginal discharge

Women who are between ages 21 and 29 should get a Pap test every three years. Women who are between ages 30 and 64 should get a Pap test and HPV test together every five years, or a Pap test alone every three years. Women who are 65 and older should ask their doctor if they can stop having Pap tests.

How to minimize risk of cervical cancer:

·         Get regular Pap tests

·         If younger than 26, get an HPV vaccine (i.e. Gardasil, Cervarix)

·         Avoid sexual promiscuity

·         Use condoms

·         Don’t smoke