Cervical Cancer: Prevention is the Best Protection!

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus. It's one of the most preventable cancers through Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and regular screening with Pap and HPV testing. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

Early cervical cancer often has no noticeable symptoms.

Later stages may include vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause, unusual vaginal discharge, and pelvic pain.

3.1 HPV vaccination: The HPV vaccine can protect against the types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls ages 11-26

3.2 Regular screening:

Get regular Pap tests and HPV tests, which can detect precancerous changes in           the cervix.

3.3 Practice safe sex: Use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of HPV infection. Any kind of sexual contact transfers HPV however not all HPV causes cancer! 

3.4 Don't smoke- Smoking is a risk factor for cervical cancer.

There are two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early: Pap test (or Pap Smear) A Pap test or smear looks for changes in the cells taken from the cervix that may indicate pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions These tests usually aim to detect abnormalities in the squamous cells lining the cervix, which can be caused by factors like HPV infection, inflammation, or other cellular changes. 

Cervical cancer screening is recommended for all women starting at age 21 regardless of sexual history, and continuing until age 65. Women do not need to be screened for cervical cancer throughout their entire life span, even if they remain sexually active. Screening guidelines vary by age and are generally not required beyond a certain age, provided a woman has a history of regular screening with negative results.

Recommended Screening Frequency:

Women aged 21 to 29: Pap testing alone every 3 years.

Women aged 30 to 65 have a few screening options: 

• HPV and Pap testing (co-testing) every 5 years, 

• Pap tests alone every 3 years, or HPV testing alone every 5 years.

An abnormal Pap test result means that the cells on the cervix are not normal and may require further testing or treatment.

An abnormal HPV test result indicates that you have a high-risk type of HPV and may require follow-up testing to monitor for abnormal cell changes.

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health.

Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other cancer medications.

Some women can have children after cervical cancer treatment, and there are fertility preservation options available. Your medical team can evaluate your options for having a family in the future if you are diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Yes, even if a female received the HPV vaccine as a child, she still needs to undergo regular Pap and HPV tests in later life. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk HPV types, but it doesn't protect against all types of HPV, and there's still a chance of developing cervical cancer from other strains. There are many types of HPV, and the vaccine currently protects against 9 types, including the ones responsible for most cervical cancers.