Cervical Cancer 101: All You Need to Know
Historically, cervical cancer was the primary cancer diagnosed in American women, and the leading cause of cancer death for them. That has changed dramatically over the past century with the introduction and routine use of the “Pap smear” or Pap test.
The American Cancer Society forecasts that in 2022 roughly 14,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer (compared to about 288,000 with breast cancer) and 4,300 will die of the disease (compared to about 43,000 with breast cancer). The numbers for cervical cancer have dropped by over 50% since 1975 and by 65% in women over age 50 in the same period – a definite triumph of science.
The cervix is the narrow passage within a woman’s body that connects her vagina and uterus. All women are at an increased risk for cervical cancer, but it most often impacts women over age 30. Cervical cancer tends to be a slow growing cancer, developing over time. The average age of diagnosis is at age 50, and 20% of cases are diagnosed in women over age 65. Standard treatments involve surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, dependent on factors including spread of the illness, age of the patient, and overall health.
To better understand cervical cancer, it is important to consider its causes, risk factors, symptoms, and prevention.
Cause of Cervical Cancer:
The overwhelming cause of cervical cancer is related to the presence in the body of the human papillomavirus virus, known as HPV. HPV is a common virus spread during sexual interaction and at least half of sexually active people will carry the virus at some point in their lives. While most women will pass through an HPV infection without incident, for some it will linger, leading to that increased risk of cervical cancer.
Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer:
Being diagnosed with HPV
Being diagnosed with HIV
Smoking
Using oral contraceptives (the “pill”) for five or more years
Becoming sexually active at an early age or having many sexual partners
Having a weakened immune system
Birthing three or more children
A history of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Lack of access to regular screening
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer:
Early in the course of cervical cancer, it is common for there to be no detectable symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer, cancer which has already spread to other parts of the body, may cause bleeding or vaginal discharge, or there may be some type of pelvic pain. If you are concerned about any of your symptoms, consult with you doctor and start keeping a symptom diary to discuss with your doctor.
Prevention of Cervical Cancer:
As the data shows, the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to screen for precancerous cellular changes. This is most commonly done via the Pap test, widely and effectively used since the mid-20th century. More recently, the two course HPV vaccine has been recommended for children between the ages of 11 and 12, preventing HPV infection, the leading cause of cervical cancer. Other forms of prevention are not smoking, using condoms when sexually active, and limiting sexual partners.
The positive data that indicates diagnosis and deaths related to cervical cancer have dropped so significantly over the past fifty years is indisputable. While cervical cancer still exists, preventing it has been the key to limiting its impact. Dr. Srilata Gundala, hematologist/oncologist and founder of Hope & Healing Cancer Services in Hinsdale, Illinois, agrees, “When found early, cervical cancer is highly treatable with long survival rates and no negative impact on quality of life. Better yet, the screening available through regular Pap tests, or getting the HPV vaccine when offered, means cervical cancer never even develops. This has been one of the success stories of cancer research that benefit so many.”
You can learn more about the important of cancer screening HERE.
Written By: Shelia Quirke, MSW
Reviewed By: Srilata Gundala, MD
