When we think of all the things that have changed in our lives since 2020… Does going to the doctor for your routine checkups or preventive care screenings make the list?  Well, yes – yes it does.  According to the CDC, in April 2020, cancer screenings done through the CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program saw a decline of 87% for breast cancer screenings and 84% for cervical cancer screening, compared with the previous 5-year averages for that month.

With January being Cervical Health Awareness Month we thought it would be a good time to remind you of just how important routine checkups and preventive care screenings are.  

Cervical Cancer

Did you know cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths for American women? Thankfully, the cervical cancer death rate dropped significantly with the increased use of the Pap test.  Which means the screenings are working.  Make sure you are scheduling and showing up for those annual exams!  Especially to detect cervical cancer because there are no real signs or symptoms.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix.  The cervix is the lower portion of the uterus that connects to the vagina.  Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection and is also one of the main culprits for causing cervical cancer. 

When we are exposed to HPV, our body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. However, in a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.

You can reduce your risks by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

For early-stage cervical cancer, as we mentioned earlier, there generally aren’t any warning signs or symptoms.

However, signs and symptoms of more-advanced cervical cancer include:

• Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
• Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
• Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Types Of Cervical Cancer

The type of cervical cancer that you have helps to determine your prognosis and treatment. The main two are:

• Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
• Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

In some cases, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.

What Are The Risks

The risk factors include:

• Multiple sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners is and the greater your partner’s number of sexual partners is increases your chances of acquiring HPV.
• Being sexual active earlier in life. Having sex at an early age increases your risk of HPV.
• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs (chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS) increases your risk of HPV.
• A weakened immune system. You are more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.
• Smoking. Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.
• Exposure to miscarriage prevention drugs. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Prevention

If you want to reduce your risk:

• Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine.
• Have routine Pap tests. 
• Practice safe sex. 
• Don’t smoke.

In most cases, early detection is your best defense against cancer.  It is important for your health and your quality of life to make sure you receive your annual exam.  During this annual Well Woman visit with OB-GYN Women’s Centre of Lakewood Ranch, you will receive quality care to ensure your health. Just some of the services you will receive include: pelvic exam, pap smears, vaccines (including HPV vaccine), and breast exams.  Schedule your appointment today or call if you have any questions or concerns.  We are here to help.