Each year, nearly 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), yet cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today. Most cervical cancers develop slowly in the lining of the cervix. It happens when normal cells gradually turn into pre-cancerous cells, which then could turn into cancer. It is because of this gradual change that screening for cervical cancer is such an important aspect of prevention.
The cervix is the lower part of the uterus, and there are two main types of cells covering the cervix: squamous and glandular cells. These two cells meet in a place called the transformation zone, which is where most cervical cancers start.
There are two main types of cervical cancer: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Roughly 80 to 90 percent of cervical cancers are squamous cell, meaning that these cancers developed in the area that covers the surface of the exocervix, which is the area of the cervix that is closest to the vagina.
The traditional screening for cervical cancer is called the Pap test. This is done by using a device in the cervix to collect squamous and glandular cells, which are then examined and checked for abnormalities. Most women need to undergo regular Pap tests. The general recommended guidelines for how often you need a Pap test are as follows:
- Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should get a Pap test every three years.
- Women between the ages of 30 and 64 should get a Pap test every three years (or a Pap and HPV test together every five year).
- Women 65 and older should ask their doctor when they can stop getting a Pap test.
However, these are general guidelines; you should check with your doctor to see how often you should be screened.
Some women are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer based on medical and family history, and they might need to undergo a Pap test more often than the recommended guidelines. These women should consult with their physician about how often they need to get screened.
Another form of cervical cancer prevention is to get screened for the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is the name of a group of viruses that infect the skin, genitals, mouth, and throat, and is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer – in fact more than nine out of 10 cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, according to the CDC.
There are many different types of HPV with various side effects. Ask your physician how you can undergo a HPV screening at your next Pap test. A vaccination is available to help protect against the types of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the HPV vaccine is recommended for all teen girls and women through the age of 26 who did not get all three doses of the vaccine when they were younger.
Cervical cancer can be preventable; be sure that you are undergoing regular screenings to decrease your chances of developing the disease.
Cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if caught early. Here are some ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer:
- Get the HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent cervical cancer. The FDA-approved Gardasil 9 vaccine protects against seven types of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts. The CDC recommends that children get the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 14. Adults between the ages of 27 and 45 can also get the vaccine after consulting with a medical provider.
- Get regular cervical cancer screenings (Pap test): Health care professionals typically recommend starting Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every three to five years. For women older than 30, the Pap test may be combined with an HPV DNA test.
- Practice safe sex: Using condoms can reduce your risk of getting and passing on HPV. Having sex at an early age, having multiple sexual partners, or having a partner with multiple sexual partners can increase your risk of HPV.
- Stop smoking: Smoking increases the risk of precancerous conditions and cervical cancer.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
This information is for educational purposes. Please consult your physician regarding any medical issues. The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is committed to bringing trusted and quality home health, private care and hospice to Indian River County patients. For more information about VNA services, call 772-494-6161 or visit www.vnatc.com.
