Cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet potentially life-threatening cancers affecting Americans today. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. However, the American Cancer Society estimates that over 13,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and over 4,000 will die from it. Learn more about the detection, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer from Dr. Alia Nazir, obstetrics and gynecology specialist with Bella Obstetrics & Gynecology.
“I know that no one looks forward to going to the gynecologists. Me neither! But the reality is that with regular screenings, early detection, and the HPV vaccine, the chances of developing cervical cancer can be dramatically reduced,” explains Dr. Nazir. “Pap smears are cancer screening tests, much like mammograms are used to screen for breast cancer. Regular pap smears allow us to catch early, potentially pre-cancerous abnormalities and address them proactively before they become cancerous.”
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lowermost part of the uterus. Although cervical cancer death rates have fallen, Dr. Nazir says it's still important to promote cervical health because all people with a cervix are at risk for the disease.
“Most people who are diagnosed with cervical cancer have not been screened recently, but screening is important for early detection,” said Dr. Nazir.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. When the cancer becomes larger and grows into nearby tissue, patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after intercourse, bleeding after menopause, bleeding or spotting between periods or periods that are longer or heavier than usual
- Unusual discharge from the vagina, which may include blood
- Pain during sex
- Pain in the pelvic region
Dr. Nazir explained that these symptoms may be caused by other health conditions, so patients are encouraged to prioritize their health. “It’s important to see an OB/GYN as soon as possible to get checked out and get to the root cause of your symptoms.”
What are the risk factors?
“There are many risk factors for cervical cancer that you are in control of,” said Dr. Nazir. “It is important to know the risk factors and to focus on those you can change or avoid to help reduce your risk of cervical cancer.” Some of these risk factors include:
- HPV infection: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is a group of over 150 viruses, some of which can cause growths called papillomas (warts). Some of these warts are considered high-risk because they are strongly linked to cancers, including cervical cancer.
- Sexual history: Becoming sexually active at a young age, having many sexual partners and having a high-risk partner can increase the risk for cervical cancer. Chlamydia infection also increases an individual's risk for cervical cancer. “Having safe sexual practices is so important, but it’s also important to know that having any sexual contact even with one partner can be an exposure to HPV,” says Dr. Nazir.
- Smoking: Individuals who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don't smoke. Dr. Nazir warns that vaping also counts as smoking.
- Immune system deficiency: A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. It can be a result of immune suppression from corticosteroids, organ transplant, other cancer treatments or from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Family history: Cervical cancer can run in some families. If an immediate family member had cervical cancer, you have a higher risk of developing the disease than you would if no one in your family had it.
How to promote cervical health
Lifestyle changes can lower your risk of cervical cancer. For example, if you smoke, you should consider quitting, especially if you have other risk factors. Other ways to promote cervical health include:
- HPV vaccine: The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. The American Cancer Society recommends patients of all genders get vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 12 with "catch-up" vaccination for everyone who is not adequately vaccinated through age 26. Adults 27 to 45 may get the vaccine after talking to their doctor if they were not vaccinated when they were younger.
- Routine Pap test: “It’s important to know that no vaccine provides complete protection against all cancer-causing types of HPV, so routine cervical cancer screening is still needed.” Dr. Nazir explains. The Pap test (or Pap smear) can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix. These conditions can be monitored or treated to prevent cervical cancer.
- Exercise: According to the Journal of Lower Genital Tract Disease, individuals who did not get regular physical activity had an increased risk of cervical cancer. Just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming or cycling, significantly reduced a person's risk of getting cervical cancer.
- Condom use and limiting sexual partners: Since HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, using a condom correctly from start to finish during every sexual act can reduce your risk of exposure.
What are the recommendations for cervical cancer screening?
Sarah Cannon, the Cancer Institute of HCA Healthcare, recommends the following:
- Age 21-29: Pap test every three years
- Age 30-65: Pap test every three years, HPV testing every five years, or HPV testing in combination with a Pap test every five years
- Age 65+: Women with an abnormal diagnosis should be tested for 20 years following the result, even if testing continues past age 65. A woman whose uterus and cervix have been removed for non-cervical cancer reasons, and who has no history of cervical or pre-cervical cancer, should not be tested.
According to Dr. Nazir, people with several risk factors may need to be screened more frequently, especially if they have a history of health conditions like herpes, HIV or other sexually transmitted infections.
“It’s empowering to know that cervical cancer is highly preventable,” says Dr. Nazir. “By partnering with an OB/GYN that you trust, getting screened appropriately, and focusing on modifiable risk factors, you can significantly lower your risk.”
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your risk factors for cervical cancer or how often you should be screened.
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