Long Name - Big Hearts

The local chapter of the Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer meets every 3rd Saturday at the Cancer Support Home in Fayetteville. Jack and Temple Igleburger share their knowledge based on their own personal cancer journeys, and provide a atmosphere of support for the folks who visit the group as they're going through their own treatment or learning how to deal with the "new normal" in the recovery phase. Here's an excerpt from the bio we shared last year when Jack received the Gentleman of Distinction award at our annual gala, the Bill Fleeman Gentlemen of Distinction. 

"Jack Igleburger had no experience with cancer before he was diagnosed with it himself. As he says, "Cancer wasn't on [his] personal radar...". He had no close family members or acquaintances who dealt with the disease and, like most people, took life and good health for granted. 

Jack had been dealing with a sore throat and raspy cough for several months when a lump appeared on his neck. He went through several attempts to diagnose the problem, including cough medicines and antibiotics for a possible infection. he was finally referred to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist.

During his last week of work and just before his retirement party, he got a call from the new doctor who asked him to come to his office the next day to discuss his biopsy results. He was informed that he had stage 4 squamous cell carcinoma of the base of his tongue. The cancer had already spread to his jaw bone, esophagus and lymph nodes. But the words that left the biggest impression on Jack came next: the cancer was inoperable, and he had approximately a 50% chance of survival.

Jack made it through the treatment with the help of a good team of doctors, family, and his new wife and caregiver, Temple - herself a breast cancer survivor. They attended the Support for People with Oral, Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) "Celebration of Life" in New York in August of 2006... At the meeting, the experience of meeting other survivors and facilitators of support groups was an emotional one that initiated some thought for Jack and Temple. On the flight home they decided they should create a SPOHNC chapter in Arkansas.

With the help of a few local organizations, including Hope Cancer Resources, they held their first SPOHNC meeting on September 23, 2006. Today, they still facilitate the only SPOHNC chapter in the state of Arkansas. Their support for people dealing with this disease creates a ripple effect in our community: several of the survivors in their group also volunteer their time at local oncology clinics, work one-on-one with newly-diagnosed patients in the "Been There" program, or participate in local fundraisers to help support the network of cancer support in our area."

Awareness of cancer usually centers around the understanding of symptoms, and one's own personal risk factors. In the case of Oral, Head and Neck cancers (and many others), the side effects can often be mistaken for other health issues - just as Jack's was. Here are some key points from the National Cancer Institute to be aware of:

• Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces inside the head and neck.
• Tobacco use, alcohol use, and human papillomavirus infection are important risk factors for head and neck cancers.
• Typical symptoms of head and neck cancers include a lump or sore (for example, in the mouth) that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice.
• Rehabilitation and regular follow-up care are important parts of treatment for patients with head and neck cancers.

 Follow the link above to learn more about common locations of head and neck cancers, detailed symptoms based on location, known causes and common side-effects of treatment.

Nutrition and the Cancer Patient

A recent article by Dr. Sanjay Gupta on MedPage Today calls for more efforts to be made on behalf of cancer patients to clarify and broaden nutritional recommendations found online. Dr. Gupta shares information compiled by Dr. Colin Champ of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, which showed not only that information is lacking, but that much of what is available is contradictory. From the article:

"A review of the websites of 21 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) institutions revealed that only four (19%) provided nutritional guidelines. Another seven (33%) linked to external oncology sites -- but only 44% of these sites offered nutritional guidelines for cancer patients.

The real clincher, said senior author Colin Champ, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, was that many of the recommendations contradicted one another. Given that data suggest two-thirds of cancer patients go online for guidance, "it's imperative to fund randomized studies on diet and develop consistent, evidence-based nutritional guidelines for patients," Colin said."

We recently attended a video workshop with Michelle Morgan, MS RD CSO LD, a Clinical Dietician at University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. She shared her professional recommendations for cancer patients who are battling side-effects of their treatment, but these tips can be helpful for cancer patients past treatment as well. As the National Cancer Institute states: "Nutrition in cancer care embodies prevention of disease, treatment, cure, or supportive palliation."

Here are some common (non-diagnosis-specific) side effects of treatment and tips on managing those effects:

Appetite Changes: 

• Increase intake to six small meals per day instead of three
• Delay drinking liquids until after your meals when you have eaten all you can
• Set an attractive table and make a meal an "event"
• Be as physically active as possible to keep your appetite up
• Eat high calorie, high protein snacks

Sore Mouth and Throat:

• Avoid tart, acidic, spicy or salty foods
• Choose soft, creamy foods over rough-textured or hard foods
• Choose lukewarm or cold foods
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco which can dehydrate your body

Dry Mouth: 

• Drink 8-10 cups of liquid each day
• Take small bites and chew well
• Eat soft, most foods that are cool or room temperature
• Moisten foods with broth, soup, gravy or creams
• Suck on sugarless candy or chew sugarless gum
• Keep your mouth clean between meals
• Avoid commercial mouthwashes which contain alcohol
• Avoid alcoholic and acidic drinks and tobacco products
• Limit caffeine intake
• Use a cool mist humidifier
• Snack on fresh pineapple (unless you are also dealing with sore mouth)
• Ask your doctor about saliva substitutes

Taste and Smell Changes: 

• Use plastic flatware to reduce metallic taste
• Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables rather than canned
• Cook with tart foods and seasonings (unless you are also dealing with a sore mouth)
• Counter a salty taste with sweeteners
• Rinse mouth with baking soda and salt mouthwash before eating to neutralize it
• Keep your mouth clean and brush teeth regularly to reduce bad taste
• Serve food cold or at room temperature

Nausea: 

• Eat 6-8 small meals each day instead of three big meals
• Consume some dry foods upon waking and every few hours
• Avoid foods with strong odors
• Eat cold foods instead of hot or spicy foods
• Avoid foods that are overly sweet, greasy, fried or spicy
• Sit or recline for at least an hour after eating
• Sip clear (decaffeinated) liquids frequently to avoid dehydration

Diarrhea: 

• Drink mild, clear non-carbonated liquids through the day at room temperature
• Eat small, frequent meals
• Avoid greasy, spicy, fried or very sweet foods
• Limit milk or milk products
• Avoid drinks and foods that cause gas
• Drink and eat high-sodium, high-potassium foods
• Increase soluble fiber (click here for a definition and examples of soluble fiber)
• Drink at least 1 cup of liquid after each loose bowel movement
• Avoid sugar-free products

Fatigue: 

• Prioritize daily activities, and enlist friends who want to help
• Take short walks or get regular exercise
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Schedule some rest time during your day
• Avoid high-carbohydrate foods to reduce blood sugar fluctuation
• Increase protein in your diet
• Monitor daily caloric intake (ask your doctor for their recommendation based on your current physical situation, height and activity level)
• Avoid large doses of vitamins and minerals
• Manage stress, and seek out assistance to reduce the items on your "to-do" list

As you can see, many of these suggestions can be beneficial for more than one side-effect. For diagnosis-specific advice, seek out support groups either in your community or online to help you with your particular challenges, or talk to your doctor about your concerns.

Here's another blog post from last year that offers more suggestions on foods to keep on hand for a diet intended to help cancer patients remain healthy through treatment.

Getting Ready to Run!

Heather Ridley-Fleeman

It's March - National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month - and we're getting ready for our annual race, the Heather Ridley-Fleeman Battle for Hope. It was named in memory of a young woman from Northwest Arkansas who lost her life to colon cancer nine years ago. Over the years, proceeds from this event have helped us support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas with financial assistance, prescriptions, transportation, cancer screenings, and other services that benefit them as they go through treatment. More information about colorectal cancer can be found on our post from earlier this month.

This year in Arkansas, the American Cancer Society estimates that we will see 1,540 new cases of colon and rectal cancer, and 610 individuals will die from the disease.  

 
So, what can you do to help? Contrary to what the title of this post might lead you to believe, you don't actually have to run to support the event or the services of Hope Cancer Resources and cancer patients in our community. In addition to the 10k and 5k courses (certified by U.S. Track and Field), we have a 5k walk and 1-mile Family Fun Walk open for registration, as well as kids' races that are held on the track at the race starting location, the Old Tiger Stadium spot on the corner of Bella Vista Road and Tiger Boulevard.


View Larger Map
We understand if you'd rather stay in bed on Saturday morning and let someone else do the walking and running. You can still make a donation to the event through the secure donation link on the Hope Cancer Resources website here, or you can purchase a tribute sign in honor or memory of someone special on the race website here. The tribute signs will be placed along the race routes to help raise awareness of the very real impact that colon cancer has on people right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Example of a Battle for Hope Tribute Sign

Teams are always welcome, and will be competing for some great prizes for the Largest Team, Biggest Fundraising Team. Individuals who finish in the top 3 of their age brackets will receive gift certificates for Jose's Southwest Grill as well as a medal featuring this year's race logo. Registration deadline for teams is April 19th, and individual registration fees increase after that date, so get your folks together and get signed up!

In addition to the events, we will also be selling raffle tickets again this year, and you'll have the chance to win some awesome prizes. We already have Walton Arts Center tickets, bicycles, and gift certificates to local restaurants on the list, and more are being added every day. You can purchase tickets with your online registration, or on the day of the race.

For more information on the Battle for Hope, or to register or view pictures from prior years, please visit the event website at www.heathersraceforhope.com. You can also get the latest updates and news on the race Facebook page here! See you on May 4th!

Blue Ribbon Info

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, as well as National Social Worker Appreciation Month. Both subjects are cause for celebration, but for different reasons of course...

Colorectal cancer incidences have been decreasing over the last two decades, and is now listed as the third most common cancer in men and women, where it used to rank in the number two spot. Screening tests have increased in availability and accessibility, and have played a significant role in this change.

Specifically, colorectal cancer screening tests that allow for the detection and removal of polyps have been found to be highly effective in preventing cancer. These polyps - whether or not they are cancerous upon removal - have been shown in research to eventually progress into colon cancer. Removing them when they are first seen has become standard procedure and is saving lives.

Colorectal cancer is difficult to detect in early stages without the aid of a test such as the colonoscopy, since it doesn't typically show any distinct symptoms. Advanced disease can be indicated by rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, cramping pain in the lower abdomen, decreased appetite, or weight loss. In some cases, loss of blood caused by the cancer can lead to anemia which causes its own symptoms such as weakness and fatigue. In recent years, there has been an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in individuals under fifty years of age, so any of these symptoms in someone in that age bracket should cause enough concern to warrant a visit to the doctor for screening.

Current recommendations for colon cancer screening say to begin at age 50 for anyone at average risk for developing the disease. Recommendations on type of test and time interval changed in 2008 based on the American Cancer Society's collaboration with several other organizations. For the breakdown of the new recommendations click here.

Social Workers are the life-blood of many non-profit organizations - especially those, like Hope Cancer Resources, that provide services to people in the community. Not only do our social workers provide navigation for cancer patients who request assistance from us, but they also network into the community to help a patient find assistance that is not within the scope of our organization's mission.

Our services are provided to patients who are going through one of the most difficult times of their lives - cancer treatment. Not only can the disease and the treatment drain an individual's body of strength and stamina, but the emotional toll it takes on someone who has trouble finding the light at the end of the tunnel can be just as devastating. Our social workers address patients' emotional needs instantly, the very first time they meet with patients, and for some patients that's one of the most important services they receive: the providing of hope. Perhaps these quotes from grateful patients say it best:

"We thank you so very much for being there for Fred when we didn't think we had any hope." -- MSW

"I do not have the words to express how much you have meant to me and my family. Not only have you helped us financially, but you have also met so many emotional needs. Thank you does not seem like enough, but it is all I know to say."  -- KT

"Your generous assistance is so appreciated. Your help will not only help me with expenses, but help alleviate some of the stress and tension caused by such worries. Thank goodness for organizations like yours, ... literally saving patients from some of the stresses that can hinder recovery. Thank you!"  -- RR

We are proud of the work our social workers do every day to support cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas, and we honor all the social workers doing their work throughout the country. Take a minute to thank a social worker you know this week... you might meet one at your child's school, at the hospital, at the nursing home, at the local food bank or shelter, or even at a church or public service organization office. They're all doing great work every day.

Prevention in Plain Language

Often, an article in the paper or a story on the national news will present a lot of great information about cancer prevention. Sometimes, the information can be confusing, and viewers might have a difficult time pulling out the details in the story that apply to their daily lives in real time. New diets and fitness routines can seem too complicated to begin or maintain, and medical research stories don't make it clear how the new findings apply to individuals' daily lives, so it becomes easy to dismiss the information entirely.

To help you navigate the sometimes confusing messages we hear in the media, we've asked our Director of Cancer Prevention and Outreach, Casey Shelor,to answer a few questions for us. Casey is one of our Certified Health Education Specialists who work in the community of Northwest Arkansas providing education and information in group settings and to individuals.

Q: Recently, reports have shown that more young people are being diagnosed with skin cancer than in previous years. What is causing that trend, and how can it be reversed?

A: Most young people don't equate tanned skin with damaged skin, but that's what is actually is. Dr. Bob Burns, PhD in the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences at the UAMS College of Medicine explains:

"All skin cancers are caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Research has proven that the cause of skin cancers is not necessarily related to a lifetime of unprotected exposure to UV radiation, but to unprotected exposure such as sunburns or tanning booth exposures in early childhood/adolescent years. Unprotected exposure in the younger years not only causes the development of skin cancers... these skin cancers develop [faster]."

Avoiding unprotected exposure to UV radiation, both natural and mad-made, would reverse the upward trend of skin malignancies in younger people.

Q: Does ending a smoking habit really make a difference for people who have been smoking for decades? 

A: Absolutely. The benefits of quitting smoking (even if you have smoked the majority of your life) can be seen almost immediately - within 20 minutes! According to the American Cancer Society, after you quit smoking the following are benefits you will see over time:

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
• 12 hours after quitting: Your carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
• 2 weeks - 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and lung function increases. 
• 1-9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like structures that move mucus out of the lungs) start to regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce risk of infection.
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is cut to half that of a continuing smoker. 
• 5 years after quitting: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years. 
• 10 years after quitting: The risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx (voice box) and pancreas decreases. 
• 15 years after quitting: The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a non-smoker.

No matter how long you have smoked - 1 year or 50 years - it is never too late to quit. You will see benefits for years to come!

Q: The HPV vaccine is supposed to prevent cervical and other cancers caused by the sexually-transmitted Human Papillomavirus (HPV). But if my children are not sexually active, do they still need to have the vaccine?

A: I would definitely recommend the vaccination to any young female or male. It is actually recommended that to receive the maxiumum benefit from the HPV vaccination, an individual should complete all three doses before sexual activity begins.

The vaccination protects against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers. It can be administered between the ages of 9 and 26 years, but the recommended age for receiving the vaccination is 11 or 12 years of age.

Q: If you were recommending just one thing people could do to reduce their risk of being diagnosed with cancer, what would it be? 

A: I would urge people to quit, or never start, using tobacco products. According to the American Cancer Society, tobacco use is responsible for most cases of lung cancer and it increases the risk for cancers of the mouth, lips, nasal cavity (nose) and sinuses, larynx (voice box), throat, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, uterus, cervix, colon/rectum, ovaries, and acute myeloid leukemia.

Cancer can not only increase the risk of being diagnosed with cancer, but is also responsible for at least 30% of all cancer deaths and 87% of lung cancer deaths.


Thanks to Casey for all this great information! Share your cancer prevention-related questions with us and we will post another Q & A in the future based on your questions.

Cancer Prevention: You Can Help

The following information is borrowed from the American Cancer Society's website and is used with permission.  

There are nearly 13.7 million people in America who have survived cancer, and the increasing number of survivors each year is due in large part to ongoing research being performed around the world. Many of you may make monetary gifts to organizations that support cancer research, but did you know there is another way you can help prevent cancer in future generations?

The American Cancer Society's Epidemiology Research Program is inviting men and women between the ages of 30 and 65 years who have no personal history of cancer to join an historic research study - the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3). The ultimate goal is to enroll at least 300,000 adults from various racial/ethnic backgrounds from across the U.S. By joining CPS-3, you can help researchers understand how to prevent cancer, which will save lives and give people more of their most precious resource: time.

How Does the CPS Saves Lives?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) first began conducting long-term prospective studies in the 1950s. For these studies, large groups of individuals were recruited through a successful partnership between the ACS researchers and volunteers. The study population provides information (e.g. lifestyle, medical, or behavioral) and then are followed over time to assess their health outcomes and to determine how those outcomes are related to the previously collected exposure data. The commitment of the study participants and the volunteers who recruited them has been vital to the success of these studies.

Past long-term follow-up studies have played a major role in cancer prevention. More than 300 scientific articles by ACS epidemiologists have been published from these studies, significantly contributing to tobacco-related research, and  the understanding of obesity, diet, physical activity, hormone use, air pollution, and various other exposures in relation to cancer and other diseases.

Past American Cancer Society long-term studies include:
Hammond-Horn Study (1952-1955): Included 188,000 U.S. men recruited by 22,000 volunteers. This study was the first large prospective study to examine the effect of cigarette smoking on death rates from cancer and other diseases. This study set the methodologic foundation for the two subsequent Cancer Prevention Studies (CPS-I and CPS-II).

Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-I (1959-1972): CPS-I included approximately one million men and women recruited by 68,000 volunteers in 25 states. In contrast to the Hammond-Horn Study, CPS-I was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures, in addition to tobacco use, that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

Cancer Prevention Study (CPS)-2 (1982-ongoing): CPS-II includes 1.2 million subjects recruited by 77,000 volunteers in 50 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico. All participants have been followed for over 20 years to determine causes of death. Like CPS-I, this study was designed to address a wide range of environmental and lifestyle exposures that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

CPS-2 Nutrition Cohort (1992-ongoing): 185,000 CPS-II participants from 21 states were enrolled in the new CPS-II Nutrition Cohort, a study designed to better understand how diet affects cancer risk. We periodically mail questionnaires to CPS-II Nutrition Cohort members to update exposure information and follow them for both cancer occurrence and all causes of death. For many members of the CPS-II Nutrition Cohort, biological specimens (blood and buccal (cheek) cells) have also been collected. The CPS-II Nutrition Cohort was designed to address a wide range of potential exposures, behavioral, environmental, and genetic, that may increase or decrease cancer risk.

Results from previous American Cancer Society long-term follow-up studies have demonstrated:

• The link between cigarette smoking and lung cancer
• The significant impact of being overweight or obese on risk of cancer occurrence and death
• The impact of hormones, physical activity, diet, various medications and vitamins, and various other factors in relation to cancer risk
• The impact of air pollution on cardiopulmonary conditions motivating the Environmental Protection Agency to propose more stringent limits on particulate air pollution
• the link between aspirin use and reduced risk of colon cancer
• the link between postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and various gynecologic cancers (such as breast and ovarian cancer)
• the link between diabetes and cancers of the pancreas and colon
• the link between physical activity and lower risk of various cancers (including breast, colon, and aggressive prostate cancer)

Why a New Study?
Because the current study population (CPS-2) is aging, we must recruit a new study population for the next generation of research. Also, the environment and individuals' lifestyles change over time. New follow-up studies like CPS-3 are needed to understand these changes. We will be studying CPS-3 members for the next 20 to 30 years. This younger study population will have environmental and lifestyle exposures that may be meaningfully different from our previous populations and will help us further advance our understanding of the factors that cause or prevent cancer.

Finally, as we improve our understanding of what causes cancer, CPS-3 will allow us to explore new and emerging hypotheses related to cancer. Through this landmark new study, we will continue our work to eliminate cancer as a major health concern for future generations.

In Northwest Arkansas, connect with the ACS through their Facebook page. Study enrollments are currently scheduled in Fort Smith for April 2-3, and in Benton and Washington Counties in September with specific dates TBA.

Will you sign up? Feel free to share this information with everyone you know - the more people who are involved in the study, the more useful the results will be.

Being Proactive About Your Health

If you've ever dealt with a major illness, either personally, or through a loved-one or good friend, you may have heard the term "advocate". More and more often, being an advocate for oneself can prevent difficulties that arise from miscommunications, unintentional delays in care, or simple misunderstandings of expectations.

The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) published a booklet titled "Self-Advocacy: A Cancer Survivor's Handbook" to help cancer patients and their caregivers navigate the confusing new world of treatment and to help individuals be prepared for most of the possible scenarios. We will share several things from the booklet over the next few months, but today we're focusing on being proactive - things you should know and prepare for before a diagnosis of cancer, or any other major illness.

The following points will, as explained by the NCCS, help reduce your misunderstanding and increase opportunities to get the best care available if, and when, you learn that you or someone you care about is diagnosed with cancer...

Study and understand your health insurance coverage. It is important to fully understand your choice of facilities and health care providers when selecting a health plan. When facing the need for second opinions or researching large treatment centers, you may face barriers to accessing this type of care based on your insurance coverage. If you think that you might want to get an opinion or treatment at a major cancer center and/or specialist out of your area (if you are diagnosed), make sure that you fully understand your "out of network" benefits. If you don't, contact your health plan or your employer's benefits administrator for clarification.

Headlines are meant to sell newspapers and magazines and can be misleading. Hardly a day goes by without a news story heralding some breakthrough or major finding about cancer. One headline tells us certain foods may increase our risk for cancer, while another study and story may dispute that evidence. Keeping up with this kind of news helps you remain an "active" rather than a "passive" consumer, but keep in mind that scientific knowledge about what puts us at risk for cancer evolves constantly. Never hesitate to raise questions with your health care professionals about your risk for cancer based on current evidence.

Reduce your risk of exposure to known cancer-causing agents. We all look forward to the day when we will know for certain what causes cancer. Two very difficult cancers are largely, though not always, caused by lifestyle choices - lung cancer and skin cancer. You can lessen your risk of developing these cancers by not smoking or using tobacco products and by limiting sun exposure. Guidelines regarding screening for the most common cancers are constantly evolving. Check with your physician to determine how the most current evidence regarding screening for breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancer may apply to you. (You can also contact Hope Cancer Resources' health educators, Casey Shelor or Sandy Prince. They can provide information and printed materials to help you understand the latest screening recommendations for various types of cancer.)

History is not destiny. If you have a family history of cancer, ask a health professional what role genetics or other risk factors may apply to your particular health profile. Understanding "relative risk" versus "actual risk" marks an important distinction when dealing with genetic or heritable risk factors for cancer. Note: If you are diagnosed with breast cancer and are interested in learning more about genetic testing for the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes, contact our health educators for information.

Know and trust your body and your instincts. See your physician with any unusual symptoms that do not clear up in two weeks' time. If you are unsatisfied or instinctively sense that something is wrong, seek another opinion if possible.

(c)2013 National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, contact info@canceradvocacy.org

Cervical Cancer Can Be Prevented

Ten out of twelve months of the year feature at least one kind of cancer awareness (July and August are the exceptions). January starts us out with Cervical cancer, which has a very shiny silver lining - it is a cancer that is now largely preventable with a simple vaccine. Thanks to the thousands of patients who have participated in clinical trials in the past, your daughters and grand-daughters can reduce their risk of acquiring the virus that causes approximately 70% of cervical cancers, as well as other forms of cancer.

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.

How can I prevent cervical cancer? 
The Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 150 related viruses. They get their name because certain types may cause warts, or papillomas, which are non-cancerous growths. Persistent infections with high-risk HPVs are the primary cause of cervical and anal cancers. Genital HPV infection also causes some cancers of the vulva, vagina, and penis, as well as some cancers of the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, including the soft palate, base of the tongue and tonsils.)

The FDA has approved two vaccines to prevent HPV infection - Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Both vaccines are highly effective in preventing infections with the strains of HPV most-often linked to cervical cancers in women. Garadsil also prevents infection with the types which cause 90% of genital warts, a non-cancerous sexually transmitted infection. We shared more information about this vaccine in another blog post last year.

The American Cancer Society estimated there would be over 12,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer diagnosed last year. Having a regular pap test has been a crucial tool in reducing the number of cases since that recommendation was put in place in the 1970s, and the HPV vaccine is expected to reduce numbers even more dramatically in the future.