National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Cervical Cancer FAQs
More than 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year. And if not caught in the early stages, cervical cancer can be harmful— and even deadly. Thankfully, in the last few years, vaccines and screenings have made it one of the most preventable cancers out there.
This January, in honor of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team want to raise awareness and discuss preventative measures for cervical cancer. In this blog, you’ll learn more about the various steps you can take to lower your chances of cervical cancer, such as the Gardasil9® vaccine, pap smears, and more.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is almost always caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. While HPV infections are common for those who are sexually active, there are low-risk and high-risk versions of the virus. If you contract a low-risk HPV variant, your body typically heals itself. If it sticks around, you may encounter genital warts that can be removed. In contrast, if high-risk HPV that doesn’t go away, it can become cancerous.
While many cases of HPV will resolve on their own, the cells can become cancerous, also called oncogenic, if not treated. Some common types of cancer associated with HPV include cervical, oropharyngeal cancers, anal, penile, and vaginal cancer. Compared to other cancers, cervical cancer often presents no symptoms, so preventative measures are crucial for a woman's health.
How Can I Lower My Chances of Cervical Cancer?
HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination, Gardasil 9®, can prevent 90% of cancers associated with HPV, including cervical cancer. This vaccine covers nine HPV varieties, two of which are low-risk and seven being high-risk, including the types that often cause HPV-related cancers.
Vaccines cannot cure HPV but can prevent infection, which is why the vaccine is recommended to be administered before someone becomes sexually active. The American Cancer Society recommends the HPV vaccination for children between the ages of 9 and 12. If any children or young adults haven't been vaccinated or didn’t receive all their doses, a person can receive the vaccine up until 26 years of age.
Annual Testing: Pap Smears & HPV Screening
After being vaccinated, women should be screened for cervical cancer every 3-5 years. These screenings look for a change in cervical cells and can be observed through HPV tests, Pap smears, or both. Cervical screening recommendations are broken down by age group.
Age 21 to 29
Women should begin having Pap smears, whether sexually active or not, to ensure there aren’t any signs of cancerous cells or other issues. During a Pap smear, also called a Pap test or cervical cytology, cells are removed from the cervix and examined for abnormalities.
Age 30-65
Women can begin HPV testing. HPV tests aren’t recommended for women until 30 because many people have HPV infections at a young age that aren’t harmful and resolve on their own. From ages 30-65, women can choose between a cotest every five years, a Pap smear every three years, or HPV testing every five years for a comprehensive screening of cervical cancer.
The HPV test also checks for abnormal cells that may become cervical cancer. Often, women older than 29 choose to combine tests, called an HPV/Pap cotest. In addition to these tests, your provider may check the uterus, ovaries, and rectum to check for any lumps or cysts.
Age 65 & Above
We recommend speaking to your healthcare provider about your screening frequencies.
Practice a Healthy, Safe Lifestyle
After being vaccinated and maintaining regular cervical screening appointments, you can do a few things to protect against cervical cancer in your day-to-day routine. If you’re sexually active, we recommend using a condom to prevent the spread of HPV infection. While you can still contract an HPV infection in other areas not protected by a condom, practicing safe intercourse can decrease your chances of infection.
Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer. As you smoke, harmful chemicals from tobacco are carried throughout the body. According to research, tobacco by-products have been linked to cervical mucus in women who smoke. These products are attributed to changes in the cervical DNA, which can lead to cervical cancer. We recommend you cease smoking to prevent cervical cancer and various other health risks.
What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Cancer?
Early-stage cervical cancer often comes with no signs or symptoms. However, advanced-stage cervical cancer can produce a few symptoms, including:
Vaginal bleeding after intercourse
Vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause
Abnormal discharge with a foul smell (often watery, bloody, and heavy)
Pelvic pain during intercourse
Itching or burning sensations in the vagina
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Treatment
Don't hesitate to seek treatment if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. The earlier cervical cancer is caught, the more effective treatments may be. Likewise, if you haven’t been screened for cervical cancer, we recommend you schedule an appointment to begin cervical cancer prevention. We encourage you to be proactive in the fight against cervical cancer and always ask your provider about any concerns you may have.
Dr. Gary B. Sullivan and his team provide comprehensive cervical screenings for women of all ages. We provide screening for sexually transmitted infections, cancer screenings (breast, cervix, uterus, ovary), Pap Smears, and administration of the Gardasil vaccine. Our team can provide more information about a screening schedule, personally recommended lifestyle changes, and more information about cervical cancer.
Your Trusted Experts in Cervical Cancer Prevention
Proudly serving Statesboro, GA, we are renowned professionals in the field of gynecology. In our welcoming environment, you will receive the highest quality of care. Call us at 912-871-2000 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today!