Author: Leslie Toldo
About 14 thousand women were diagnosed with cervical cancer last year, and the majority of those women were between 35 and 44 years old, according to the American Cancer Society’s latest statistics. Nearly 4,500 women die from the disease annually, but so many of those deaths are preventable.
“There is a vaccine against HPV (Human Papillomavirus), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer,” said Gynecological Surgical Oncologist Dr. Benjamin Mize.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for adolescents, as young as nine, to young adults up to 26 years old. Older adults can also get the vaccine, should their physician recommend it.
While the vaccine is important, it is not the only prevention method. Regular screening can also have a preventative effect.
“Cervical cancer most commonly starts with pre-cancerous changes,” Dr. Mize said. “If we can catch the pre-cancers and treat them before they become invasive, we can save thousands of lives.”
There are two different ways to screen for cervical cancer:
- The Pap test (Pap smear)
- The HPV test
These tests are performed the same way, with a physician gently scraping or brushing the cervix to collect cells.
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force currently recommends:
- Screening with a Pap smear every 3 years for women 21 to 65.
- Screening with either the HPV test alone, or both an HPV test and a Pap every five years for women 30 to 65.
“With routine screening, almost all cervical cancer can be detected in the pre or early stages,” Mize said. “Most women in these stages will likely have no symptoms. The goal of screening tests is to detect cervical abnormalities before they can become cancer, so they can be more easily treated.”
Beyond the vaccine and screenings, there are simple steps you can take to lower your risk of developing cervical cancer.
“You can also reduce your risk for cervical cancer through healthy lifestyle practices, including safe sex and avoiding smoking,” Dr. Mize said.
Using condoms offers some protection against HPV during sex, however condoms may not completely prevent infection because they may not cover the HPV infected area of your partner’s body.
Your best defense is to talk openly with your doctor and ask questions. If you are concerned about your risk, discuss the vaccine and your screening schedule.
To learn more about Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint’s gynecological oncology services,
