5 Important Things to Know About Cervical Cancer

Awareness is very important for every cancer type. For some cancers, such as cervical cancer, this awareness allows us to reduce cancer risk substantially. We encounter many examples demonstrating the vital importance of lifestyle and having necessary tests regularly. With increasing rates of Pap smear testing (cervical cancer screening), over the past 40 years the proportion of women dying from cervical cancer has fallen below %50. However, because cervical cancer generally causes no early symptoms, it is useful to highlight these 5 important points.

• Cervical cancer symptoms and treatment

1. The Most Common Cause Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Underlying HPV infection is present in more than %95 of cervical cancers. HPV infection is sexually transmitted. The most common virus types, HPV 16 and HPV 18, cause approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases. In the United States alone, approximately 14 million new HPV infections occur every year. Some are treated, but persistent infections can cause serious health problems.

• What is HPV – Human Papillomavirus, and how does it cause cancer?

2. Cervical Cancer Is Usually Preventable

So far, three HPV vaccines have been approved by the FDA and are available on the market. The first is Gardasil, approved against HPV 16 and HPV 18 in 2006. The second is Cervarix, approved in 2009. A third vaccine shown to protect against other high-risk HPV types, Gardasil 9, was approved in 2014. These vaccines have been shown to be 97 percent effective in preventing cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancers. Boys and girls are ideally recommended to receive HPV vaccination at ages 11-12. HPV vaccination can, however, be given up to age 26.

The HPV Vaccination Guide Has Been Updated! Let us take this opportunity to learn what the HPV vaccine is

3. Lesbian / Bisexual Women Are Also at Risk of Cervical Cancer

Having multiple partners increases the risk of infectious diseases such as HPV, for which men are generally carriers. However, this does not mean that same-sex relationships among women carry no cervical cancer risk. All women should have the necessary tests regularly.

4. All Women Aged 21 and Older Should Be Tested Regularly

As routine cervical cancer screening, an annual pelvic / gynecological examination and periodic Pap smear testing should be performed. For a Pap test, cells are collected from the cervix to identify any abnormalities. Women aged 21 - 29 should have a Pap test every three years if their results are normal. Women aged 30 - 65 should have a Pap test every five years as long as their results remain normal.

• What does an abnormal Pap smear test result mean?

5. Cervical Cancer Generally Causes No Symptoms in Its Early Stages

Cervical cancer may cause bleeding, but because women can occasionally experience irregular bleeding, this may not seem unusual. Often, the disease does not reveal itself through pain or in another way. This again highlights the importance of regular screening. Women who suspect a problem should not ignore possible signs and symptoms and should seek medical evaluation.