Fact: Almost 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 4,100 female lives will be lost due to the disease this year alone.
These frightening facts bring to light the terrible reality of the impact that cervical cancer is having on women across the nation. What gives us hope, despite these statistics, is the fact that cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent if women take part in regular screenings and follow-ups. There are two tests that your doctor can perform to identify the presence of cervical cancers:
- The Pap test, or Pap smear – This test can identify precancers, or cell changes on the cervix that have the potential to become cervical cancer cells if not properly treated.
- The HPV test – This test can identify human papillomavirus, a virus that can trigger cervical cancer development.
Screening Guidelines
It is generally recommended that women begin receiving regular Pap tests at age 21, and that women receive the test every three years between the ages of 21 and 65. Or, women age 30 and older can obtain the Pap test every five years, instead of three, if the procedure is combined with HPV testing.
Risk Factors
Certain risk factors may increase your chances of being diagnosed with cervical cancer. If you are at a greater risk for the disease, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing. Cervical cancer risk factors include:
- A previous diagnosis of cervical cancer.
- A previous Pap smear that showed precancerous cells.
- Having been exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth.
- Being HIV positive.
- Having a weakened immune system due to an organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic corticosteroid use.
Cervical Cancer Prevention
While it is possible to prevent cervical cancer is through the early detection of precancerous cells, there are other preventive measures that women can take to lower their risk of developing this form of cancer. To help protect yourself from cervical cancer follow these preventative measures:
- Avoid contact with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. Although HPV can be spread during sex, it can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected body area.
- Get vaccinated against HPV. It is important to understand that HPV vaccines only work to prevent the HPV infection, however they will not treat an existing infection. The Federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that girls ages 11 to 12 begin the vaccination series for HPV.
- Use condoms during sex. The effective use of condoms will help protect you from contracting HPV.
- Limit your number of sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners, the greater your chances of being exposed to HPV.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking may increase your risk of developing cervical pre-cancer, and cancer.
If you have questions regarding you risk factors, or steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cervical cancer, talk to your doctor today.
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It is recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that women ages 21 to 65 receive an annual routine Pap smear test. The purpose of this routine screening is to check for precancers, or cervical cell changes that might become cervical cancer if they are not properly treated. Before your next annual Pap smear test, learn what a positive Pap test could mean. With proper education and routine testing, you can put yourself in the best position to protect yourself from the risk of cervical cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 12,900 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. A Pap smear test is a non-invasive way to identify the presence of cervical precancers. During the Pap test, your doctor will collect a few cell samples and some mucus from the cervix and surrounding area. The cells will then be tested to identify any abnormalities.
There are four terms typically used to describe Pap test results, and the first step in understanding what your Pap test results mean, is familiarizing yourself with the following terms:
- Normal – Your cervix is healthy.
- Unsatisfactory – The sample of cells taken was not a good sample and can’t be read. Your Pap test will likely need to be repeated.
- Benign changes – Your Pap test was basically normal, however you may have an infection that is causing inflammation of the cervical cells. Your doctor may need to do a pelvic exam to check for the cause of the infection and prescribe treatment if necessary.
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) – There is the appearance of abnormal cells in your sample. More tests may be needed to determine the cause.
If your test results are positive for abnormal cell growth, it could be due to the presence of precancers, however understand that there are many reasons why Pap test results might not be normal and it frequently does not mean you have cancer. One of the following factors could be at play instead:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that causes an abnormal rate of cervical cell growth. HPV can remain in your body for years and could go undetected, which means that your abnormal Pap test results may appear years after your exposure to the virus.
- A bacteria or yeast infection. Such infections can be treated after proper diagnosis.
- Menopause. Women who have been through menopause may see changes to their cervical cells, however the abnormal cells are not precancers.
- Smoking. Tobacco use may increase your chances of seeing cell changes in your cervix. Abstaining from tobacco use will help your cells return to normal levels.
- An impaired immune system. Your immune system could become damaged as the result of such factors as alcohol use, drug abuse or withdrawal, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or chemotherapy.
The first step to reducing your risk of cervical cancer is ensuring that you receive a routine Pap smear test annually from your OBGYN. If your tests results show abnormal cell growth, your doctor will know how to interpret the results and proceed with any necessary treatment to help you maintain optimal health.
If it’s been some time since you’ve seen your gynecologist, make sure you schedule an appointment. A healthy woman should be seen at least once each year.
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Fact: Almost 13,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States, and over 4,100 female lives will be lost due to the disease this year alone.