January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month
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Cervical cancer was once a leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have greatly reduced the impact of this form of cancer. Still, nearly 14,500 women in the United States received a diagnosis of cervical cancer and more than 4,200 died from the disease last year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Increasing screening and prevention are key components of the effort to eradicate cervical cancer. Since almost all cases of the disease are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, vaccines that protect against the virus could prevent the vast majority of cases. Moreover, regular Pap tests can catch – and lead to treatment of – the disease at the precancerous stage.
Cervical cancer is among a number of cancers that can be caused by infections with pathogens – bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
Screening Tests
Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early—
The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated appropriately.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.
You should get your first Pap test at age 21. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
If you’re 30 years old or older, you have three options—
You can continue getting a Pap test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait three years for your next test.
You can get an HPV test only. If your test result is normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
You can get both an HPV and Pap test together. If your test results are normal, you can wait five years for your next tests.
Screening Options
Worried about the cost of screening?
The Wyoming Cancer Resource Services, funded by the Wyoming Department of Health, are regional, community-based coordinators offering support services to Wyoming residents.
HPV Vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.
HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.
HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
For testing or more information regarding cervical cancer treatment and prevention, speak to your primary care provider.
The Heptner Cancer Center at Campbell County Memorial Hospital provides advanced facilities and comprehensive treatment programs including Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for patients with a cancer diagnosis. Call 307-688-1900 or visit our website to learn more about cancer treatment in northeast Wyoming.
Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/cervicalcancer/index.htm
https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/cervical-cancer-awareness-month