The National Cancer Institute estimates that this year alone, over 108,000 women will be diagnosed with some form of gynecologic cancer. Of these, cervical cancer stands out as one of the most preventable. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of the causes of cervical cancer and how screening and vaccination can help prevent this disease.
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, or the low, narrow end of the uterus. Most cervical cancer cases are caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common infection that’s passed by sexual contact. Typically, the body’s immune system can prevent the virus from harm. For a small percentage of people, the virus can survive for years. This delay can cause cervical cells to change into cancer cells.
Regular screenings with your primary care provider or gynecologist and receiving an HPV vaccination are two of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
Regular Pap and HPV tests can detect early changes in cervical cells, allowing for intervention before cancer develops. It is recommended for women ages 21-29 to have a Pap test done every three years. For women ages 30 and up, it is recommended to have a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. The screenings are likely to stop after age 65 if you are considered low-risk.
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are responsible for about 90% of cervical cancers. The Gardasil 9 vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people aged 9 and older. The CDC recommends starting vaccination at ages 11-12, but it’s available for patients up to age 45. Starting early is best, as only two doses are needed up to age 14. From ages 15-26, a three-dose series is recommended for full protection.
The ideal age for vaccination is before a person is sexually active, because once a person is infected with HPV, the vaccine may not be as effective. That’s because the vaccine’s goal is to prevent a new infection. If a person has the virus, the vaccine may not help the body clear out the virus.
The CDC suggests catch-up HPV vaccinations for all people through age 26 who aren’t fully vaccinated. The FDA approved the use of Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45. If between the ages of 27 to 45, discuss your risks with your healthcare team. Together you can decide if you should get the HPV vaccine.
Even if you don’t have symptoms, it is still important to have regular wellness exams and screenings to maintain good gynecological health.
While all women face some risk of developing gynecologic cancer, there are certain factors that can exacerbate the likelihood:
- Age
- Family History
- Obesity
- Smoking
Understanding individual risk factors is an essential first step, but recognizing early warning signs is just as important. Gynecologic cancer symptoms can vary widely, making them difficult to recognize and distinguish.
Even so, it is important for you to listen to your own body and trust your instincts when something just doesn’t feel right. Here are some general symptoms to look out for:
- Pelvic pain
- Abnormal bleeding
- Abdominal bloating
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Pain during intercourse
- Changes in vaginal appearance
If you are experiencing any of the above changes, it is important to reach out to a healthcare professional to make sure you receive appropriate and prompt care for your symptoms.
If you’ve recently had any cervical cancer screenings or Pap tests, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider about your test results in detail. This conversation will help you understand your risk of developing cervical cancer and guide you on the next steps to take. If you don’t have a primary care provider or would like to get set up with seeing a gynecologist, the Obstetrics & Gynecology team at Southwest Health is accepting new patients.
The OB/GYN providers at Southwest Health specialize in providing comprehensive care to patients of all ages, covering a wide range of needs from routine check-ups to specialized treatments. If you’re looking for a trusted provider who truly cares about your well-being, call (608) 342-0986 to schedule your next appointment at Southwest Health.
Covering preventative and routine care, family planning, and conception, as well as advanced gynecological and surgical care, the Obstetrics & Gynecology team provides experience, respect, and a genuine passion for understanding individual needs. To make an appointment with Dr. Steven Bujewski, Dr. Mary Beth Wampfler, or Dr. Melissa Carr, call Southwest Health at (608) 342-0986.
