By Noelia Trujillo
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when changes are detected early. Despite this, it remains the fourth most common cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide.
This is why early detection is important.
At the Rosen Medical Center, we strive to help you feel empowered and accountable for your health because your care and wellbeing come first. The best way to be proactive with your health is through education and regular screenings.
When it comes to cervical cancer, this means knowing your risk factors, recognizing symptoms, and getting screened early and consistently. We want to help you understand the importance of regular screenings and how to recognize risk factors for cervical cancer.
Table of Contents
Why Early Detection Matters
The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects the uterus to the vagina.
Cervical cancer often develops slowly over time, and it starts as abnormal changes in the cervix.
These changes are considered cervical pre-cancers. These can be treated before they turn into cancer – only with early detection. Cervical pre-cancers are diagnosed far more often than invasive cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer screenings are what help to find these abnormal cells early which is when treatment is most successful.
Who is at Risk?
The greatest risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV is most commonly spread through sexual activity, it can also spread from person to person through other skin-to-skin contact.
Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44, though women outside of this range are still at risk.
The death rates for Black women and Native American women are about 65% higher than for white women. In the Americas, approximately 80% of cervical cancer deaths each year are in the Latin America and Carribean regions.
Other risk factors include sexual history, smoking, multiple pregnancies, and having a weakened immune system from other diseases and conditions.
Screening Methods that Save Lives
Two common cervical cancer screenings you can get are Pap smears (also known as Pap tests) and HPV tests.
Pap smears can be done whether you have symptoms or not. During a Pap test, doctors use a small spatula, brush, and/or cotton swab to collect a sample of cells and mucus from the cervix. These samples will be examined and tested for changes that might be pre-cancers.
An HPV test can identify whether you have a high-risk straight of HPV which could lead to cervical cancer. The HPV test process is similar to a Pap smear with the main difference being the samples collected will be examined for the virus, not for cell changes.
The American Cancer Society and United States Preventative Services Task Force recommend women aged 21 to 29 have a Pap smear every three years, and women aged 30 to 65 have both Pap smears and HPV tests every five years.
Always consult with your healthcare provider first to see what personalized steps are best for you in regard to screening and prevention.
Proactive Steps for Cervical Health Prevention
In addition to regular screenings, there are other ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination has been found to be highly effective at preventing infection with the most dangerous strains. Quitting smoking and practicing safe sex also lower the risk of cervical cancer and HPV transmission.
Make Screening a Priority
Speak to your healthcare provider today to schedule a cervical cancer screening that’s best for you. If you have questions about risk factors or prevention, our team at the Rosen Medical Center is here to help.
By prioritizing regular screenings and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can take control of your cervical health and reduce your risk of this potentially deadly disease.
Contact the Rosen Medical Center to learn more.
