Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
January 16, 2023
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Here’s what you need to know.
Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix, the lower end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It is most often caused by various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection.
When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system usually prevents the virus from replicating. However, the virus can survive in a small percentage of people. The surviving virus can cause some cervical cells to become cancer cells. Not all of the precancerous cells will turn into cancer, but treating them is crucial to preventing cervical cancer.
According to the CDC, with regular screening tests and follow-ups, this type of cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent. Also, if found and treated early, it is highly curable.
Who is affected?
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It is most common in women over the age of 30. The average age of diagnosis is 50, but more than 20% of cases are still found in women over 65.
Signs and Symptoms
Early stages of cervical cancer are hard to detect because they do not involve any symptoms. Routine screening is the best way to detect these cancerous cells and prevent cervical cancer. Cervical cancer can take years to develop into more advanced cancer, which is when signs and symptoms typically appear. It is better to find cancers early, when treatment is more likely to be effective.
Signs and symptoms of stage 1 cervical cancer
- Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
- Longer and heavier menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain during intercourse
Signs and symptoms if cancer has spread to nearby tissues or organs
- Painful urination, sometimes with blood
- Fatigue, or a general feeling of illness
- Weight loss
- Dull backache or swelling in legs
Prevention
The two most important things that you can do to prevent cervical cancer are getting the HPV vaccine and regular testing.
HPV Vaccine
Three doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for women who get their first dose after their 15th birthday. The second vaccination should be given 1-2 months after the first dose, and the third dose should be given 6 months after the first dose. For women younger than 15, only two doses are required. The second dose should be given 6-12 months after the first dose.
Vaccination can be given starting at the age of 9, but the American Cancer Society recommended age is 11-12 years old. However, HPV vaccination is not recommended for those over the age of 26 because vaccination after this age provides less protection and benefit. If you are unvaccinated and over 26, talk to your primary care physician for advice on whether you should get the vaccine.
Routine Pap tests
Pap tests can detect precancers in the cervix. If spotted, they can be monitored or treated correctly to prevent cervical cancer. The recommended age to begin routine Pap tests is 21. If the Pap test result is normal, you may be able to wait three years until your next Pap test.
HPV Test
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test is a screening test that can be used to detect the virus that causes cell changes on the cervix.
According to the CDC, around 14,000 people each year in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Unfortunately, about 4,000 people die of cervical cancer each year. This rate is declining due to an increased number of HPV vaccinations and routine screenings. Taking the proper precautions can help you stay healthy.