Carlene Springer, APRN
Morrison Cancer Center
There are some health-related topics that aren’t fun to talk about. Yet having the right information can help, especially with something like cervical cancer.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. In the United States, there were 14,000 new cervical cancer cases diagnosed in 2023 and it is predicted there will be 4,290 deaths from cervical cancer in the next year.
Being “aware” is super important because cervical cancer is preventable and treatable, especially when discovered in the early stages. (There is a 92 percent survival rate at five years if cervical cancer is detected early.) So, what can you do about it?
For starters, get screened. All women ages 21-65 should be screened for cervical cancer every three years; yet only 69 percent of women are up to date on this screening. There are no distinct symptoms at the early stage with localized cancers, so screening is super important.
Also, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that almost all cervical cancers and pre-cancerous lesions (70 percent) are caused by human pappillomavirus (HPV), a common virus passed from one person to another during sex. HPV is so common that most of us get it at some time in our lives. And, it is a sneaky virus, showing no symptoms. Although it will go away on its own, HPV can, over time, cause cervical cancer.
Another risk factor for cervical cancer is smoking tobacco.
The good news is there is now a vaccine, recommended for anyone ages 9 to 45, that can prevent HPV. The vaccine prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections.
That’s why you should still be screened regularly, even if you have received the vaccine. The Pap test (Pap smear) looks for cell changes that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus. Both tests can be done in a provider’s office or clinic.
If you are diagnosed with cervical cancer, the Morrison Cancer Center can help you and your family come up with a treatment plan based on your individual needs. Our multidisciplinary team will make sure that all of your needs are met during your treatment and beyond.
During Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and always, we hope you take time for your personal healthcare. Learn about prevention, screenings and treatment, and stay well!