January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. For every 100,000 women, 8 new cervical cancer cases are reported and at least 2 died from this disease. Although relatively rare, cervical cancer can go undetected in its early stages and is dangerous if left untreated. However, there are many measures you can take to reduce your risk and prevent cervical cancer through early detection.
Know your Risk Factors
The most common way women develop cervical cancer is through the Human Papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV. HPV is common enough that most people will contract it at some point in their lives. It is usually asymptomatic, meaning that most women don’t know that they have it and will fight off the infection without any issue. However, if left present in the body, there is a chance that over time that HPV may cause cervical cancer.
Other risk factors include having HIV (a virus that makes it difficult for your immune system to fight off health issues), smoking, using birth control pills for more than 5 years, giving birth to 3 or more children, and having several sexual partners.
Screening and Early Detection
The best way to prevent cervical cancer is through screening and early detection. There are two screening tests, that if conducted regularly, can help prevent or detect cervical cancer in its early stages.
The Pap test (or Pap smear) takes a swab of your cervix and looks for precancer: cell changes on the cervix that aren’t necessarily cancer but can develop into cancer if not treated appropriately. The HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cells to change and is the most common cause of cervical cancer.
It is recommended that women begin to have regular screenings done every 2-3 years starting at the age of 21. Pap smears and HPV tests are usually done at a gynecologist’s office or clinic. There are free or low-cost screening services available through the CDC or Planned Parenthood for those without health insurance or with low-income.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects you against the most common types of HPV, especially the types that are most likely to cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers. The HPV vaccine is recommended for those aged 11-26 but can be given as early as age 9. The vaccination series are given in a series of two shots spaced 6-12 months apart before age 15, or three shots if given afterward. HPV vaccination is used to prevent new HPV infections but cannot be used to treat current ones. Thus, it is best to receive the vaccine before any chance of exposure can occur.
Through these screening and preventative measures, you can best protect yourself and your loved ones from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer affects women of all ages; because symptoms don’t appear until later stages, it is crucial for women to regularly test themselves and get checked by a doctor for any abnormal developments in their cervix. Treatment is the most effective during the early stages of the disease, with 5-year survival rates as high as 92%. Talk to your doctor about getting screened or receiving the HPV vaccine in order to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
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