What Do You Know About Cervical Cancer?

The American Cancer Society estimated there would be over 12,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed in 2011. Between 1975 and 2003, incidences declined due to prevention efforts and early detection as a result of screening with the Pap test. However, since 2003 rates have been stable, and approximately 4,200 women were expected to die of the disease last year.


What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix - the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Symptoms don't usually appear until abnormal cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. Abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common symptom, including spotting between regular menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse or a pelvic exam. Other possible signs are heavier-than-usual menstrual bleeding, unusual pelvic pain, increased vaginal discharge and bleeding after menopause.

Are there symptoms?
Early-stage cervical cancer usually produces no signs or symptoms, making it important to get regular screenings to be able to catch any abnormalities early when the disease is more easily treated. The current recommendation is for every woman over the age of 21 to get a Pap screening every two years. After age 30, if you've had a normal result for three years in a row, you can ask your doctor about spacing them out to every three years. Beyond age 65, discuss your need for continued testing with your doctor.

Am I at risk? 
There are a number of risk-factors involved with cervical cancer. The most common known risks are:

• Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners - and the greater your partner's number of sexual partners - the greater your chance of acquiring HPV. 
• Early sexual activity. Having sex before age 18 increases your risk of HPV.
• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have other STIs - such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis or HIV/AIDS - the greater your chance is of also having HPV.
• A weak immune system. Most women who are infected with HPV never develop cervical cancer. However, if you have an HPV infection and your immune system is weakened by another health condition, you may be more likely to develop cervical cancer.
• Cigarette smoking. Smoking and HPV infection may work together to cause cervical cancer.
• Your mother was exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant.

As with any type of cancer, it is important to know your risks, be aware of the signs and symptoms, and speak to your doctor any time you have concerns or questions.

Information for this post was gathered from the Mayo Clinic and Women'sHealth.gov.