January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Why do we pay special focus to cervical cancer when women face greater threats from breast, colorectal or lung cancer? Well, not so long ago, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States and it is still the fourth most-common type of cancer for women worldwide. The good news is cervical cancer is also one of the most preventable types of cancer.

Each year, we see the number of deaths from cervical cancer decrease in the United States — primarily due to early detection thanks to Pap tests. That is why your family medicine provider recommends regularly scheduled gynecological exams, especially as you get older.

Another reason we are concerned is that undetected cervical cancer is likely to spread beyond the cervix to affect other parts of the body if undetected. The American Cancer Society estimates more than 12,000 cases of cervical cancer reported each year have spread beyond the cervix. Cancer that can be detected at its earliest stages is more easily treated, so we want to find cancer before it spreads.

Again, the good news is that cervical cancer is easily detectible because the cancer is linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is estimated that by age 50 about 80 percent of women have been infected by some form of HPV. This does not mean that 80 percent of women will develop cancer. Like other viruses, we are affected differently based on the strain of the virus and our body’s reaction to it. Various types of the virus might have little or no effect to a person’s health and may be gone within two years. However, a woman who has a persistent HPV infection is at greater risk for the virus to transform normal cervical cells into abnormal cells, which may become cancerous.

Unfortunately, women cannot wait until they begin to feel symptoms of a cancerous growth. Precancerous and early-stage cervical cancer do not cause symptoms. Once symptoms appear — such as unusual bleeding or heavy menstrual flow; increased vaginal discharge; or pain during intercourse — the cancer is already growing aggressively.

The only early detection is by Pap test or a special HPV test. That is why we recommend you get a Pap test every three years, starting at age 21. After the age of 30, your OB/GYN may recommend an additional HPV test every five years.

There are ways to reduce the risk of contracting HPV. As early as age 11, and up through age 26, girls can begin the HPV vaccine series. The vaccine protects women from the strains of HPV that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Girls and women can also reduce their risk for HPV by limiting the number of sexual partners. Other lifestyle changes that decrease your risk of developing cervical cancer include avoiding tobacco products; avoiding long-term use of birth control pills; maintaining a healthy weight through proper nutrition and exercise; and discussing with your doctor if your family has a history of cervical cancer or immune deficiency issues.

Because you can now see why regularly scheduled Pap tests are needed, I urge you to schedule one if you have put it off.

Source: Star Beacon