In the news, there is often an abundance of articles and stories about women’s healthcare, but not many address the topic of cervical health.
Because January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, we’ll dedicate this post to discussing the most common ailments related to the cervix, including cervical cancer and HPV. We’ll also discuss measures you can take to prevent these diseases.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that develops in the lower part of a woman’s uterus, within the cells of the cervix. The good news is that this type of cancer is highly preventable and treatable. It is also rare in the U.S., with less than 200,000 women diagnosed on average per year.
Cervical cancer can be caused by several different things:
- as a result of being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV)
- cigarette smoking – due to the interaction between the chemicals in cigarette smoke and the cells of the cervix, and
- the use of oral contraception – which can lessen the likelihood of a person using condoms, making them more vulnerable to contracting HPV.
Symptoms of cervical cancer
Unfortunately, symptoms of cervical cancer don’t typically show up until the cancer is in its advanced stages, which is why it’s so important to practice preventative care.
Once cervical cancer has progressed, patients may experience symptoms such as:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding and discharge
- pelvic pain, and
- in some cases, kidney failure.
Tests that detect cervical cancer
The best thing women can do to prevent cervical cancer is to get a regular pap smear during the annual physical with their primary care provider to check for abnormal cells on the cervix. Self-screening HPV tests may also be an option for certain patients.
In addition to a pap smear, a variety of other tests can help detect cervical cancer:
- Colposcopy – a pelvic exam using a colposcope to inspect the cervix more closely
- HPV Test – an exam to check if the HPV virus is present in the cervix
- Biopsy – a sample of cervical tissue is removed to be analyzed under a microscope
- Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure [LEEP] – an electrified loop of wire is used to retrieve cervix tissue for analysis.
If cancer is detected during one of these tests, your provider may order additional blood tests and X-rays to see if it has spread to other areas of the body.
If cancer is diagnosed, the patient is then referred to a gynecologic oncologist who will craft a treatment plan based on the patient’s individual needs. Depending on how advanced the cancer is at the time of diagnosis, treatment may include surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, or chemotherapy and/or radiation to shrink or destroy the cancer.
Some providers may also recommend alternate treatments such as clinical trials or other options such as vitamins and meditation to complement conventional treatments.
How people get HPV and how to prevent it
HPV is the most frequently diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., with nearly 80 percent of all women contracting some form of it in their lifetime. It is frequently asymptomatic and for many patients, usually goes away on its own within two years.
For some patients, HPV can cause genital warts or several different types of cancer because it may linger in the body for years before developing symptoms. To prevent HPV, there is a vaccination available which protects patients from infection by several strains of the virus. HPV vaccination is recommended for males and females age 9-26.
HPV is transmitted through vaginal, oral and anal sex, as well as genital touching or childbirth. Practicing safe sexual behaviors such as using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners can minimize your risk.
HPV has no known cure, but often goes away on its own. If symptoms do occur, there are treatments available to minimize them.
About the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for patients around the ages of 11 or 12, but the FDA has approved the use for those as young as age 9 and as old as age 45.
Though it’s advised to have the vaccine prior to a person’s first sexual interaction, it can be beneficial to those who’ve had sex already, because it can prevent any strains of HPV the person has not yet contracted.
The CDC recommends two doses of the HPV vaccine for most people under the age of 15. The second dose of HPV vaccine should be given 6-12 months after the first dose.
Three doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years, and for immunocompromised people. For the three-dose schedule, the second dose should be received within 1–2 months of the first shot, then 6 months out from the first shot.
What is Cervical Health Awareness Month?
Cervical Health Awareness Month was designated by the U.S. Congress to occur in January each year. The goal is to educate the public about cervical health conditions and advocate for treatment to prevent illness.
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition has put together a number of helpful resources on their website for individuals who would like to learn more and access resources.
Consult with a medical professional
If you’d like to get checked for HPV or cervical cancer, or have been diagnosed with HPV or cervical cancer and are seeking treatment, request an appointment at WWMG Family Medicine today. We’re here to help.