Talk about cervical cancer awareness with U de M

Cervical cancer was once one of the leading causes of cancer death among women in the United States. Today, screening and prevention have considerably reduced the impact of this form of cancer. However, nearly 14,500 women in the United States were still diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,200 died from the disease in 2021, according to the National Cancer Institute.

For Cervical Health Awareness Month in January, Professor Rahel Ghebre answers questions about cervical cancer. Dr. Ghebre shares his experience with the University of Minnesota Medical School, M Health Fairview, and the Masonic Cancer Center to convey the importance of quality care and broad health equity in prevention, detection, treatment and survival of this disease.

Q: What is cervical cancer and how is it diagnosed?
Dr. Gebre: Cervical cancer is associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This cancer starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. HPV, a sexually transmitted infection, is the cause of almost all cervical cancers in women. It is important to know that most sexually active people have HPV at some point, usually in their teens and early twenties. For most people, the immune system regulates HPV and prevents the virus from causing healthy cervical cells to turn into cancer. Persistent HPV infection leads to the development of precancerous cells in the cervix which can then progress to cervical cancer. Usually this process develops slowly over time.

The early stages of cervical cancer often cause no symptoms. Regular screening for cervical cancer is therefore the most effective way to detect it. More advanced cervical cancer may manifest as vaginal bleeding, watery and bloody vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, or bleeding or pain during intercourse.

Q: How can I reduce my risk of developing cervical cancer?
Dr. Gebre: In 2020, the World Health Organization launched a Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer. There are multiple risk factors for cervical cancer, including smoking, having multiple sexual partners, sexual activity at an early age, and a weakened immune system. However, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and there are several ways to reduce your risk.

• Cervical cancer screening tests such as the HPV test and the Pap test – also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology – help prevent cervical cancer by detecting precancerous changes. Talk to your healthcare provider about cervical cancer screening.
• HPV vaccine is very effective in reducing the risk of cervical cancer. A two-dose HPV vaccine is recommended for all children from 11 or 12 years old. People between the ages of 15 and 26 can also receive three doses of the vaccine. People who have received the HPV vaccine should continue to be screened regularly for cervical cancer.
• Do not smokebecause smoking is a risk factor for cervical cancer. If so, ask your healthcare provider to help you quit smoking.

Q: What are the health disparities regarding cervical cancer?
Dr. Gebre: Nationally, cancer-related health disparities lead to an increased cancer burden among racial and ethnic minorities, sexual and gender minorities, recent immigrants, and medically underserved populations, including those who live in some urban and rural areas.

In Minnesota, we observe a similar pattern. However, we need more data on multiple identities to fully understand how the interaction of multiple factors contributes to cancer-related health disparity. As researchers, we seek to identify cancer-related health disparities and understand the systems that contribute to health inequities, but what our communities need are solutions to reduce health disparities. health and improve their health. That’s why better access to screening is so essential as we continue to deepen our understanding of effective models for expanding access to cervical cancer prevention. Even with the need for more data, cervical cancer is currently designated as a priority health area to eliminate health disparities with free cervical cancer screening at 475 clinics across the country. Minnesota.

Q: What are the treatment options for cervical cancer?
Dr. Gebre: The U of M medical school is a leader in the treatment of cervical cancer, which continues to evolve. Through excellence in our clinical care, education, and research, we partner with our community to provide equitable, quality, and advanced cervical cancer treatment to women in Minnesota.

Optimal results from cervical cancer treatment depend on early and timely diagnosis. Treatment for cervical cancer may require a combination of treatment approaches such as cancer-specific surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Our oncologists work in a patient-centered model that integrates gynecologic oncology surgical and chemotherapy services, radiation oncology, palliative pain medicine, psychology, oncology rehabilitation, social work and interpretive services to tailor cancer care to each woman diagnosed with cervical cancer. Our goal is to help women live healthy lives as cancer survivors.

Q: What work is being done to advance cervical cancer care and research?
Dr. Gebre: The Masonic Cancer Center (MCC) is a designated National Comprehensive Cancer Center. In my role as Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, cervical cancer is one of our priority cancers to reduce health care disparities in Minnesota. We work with the U of M Medical School to support researchers working on cervical cancer through initiatives that increase the use of the HPV vaccine, expand pathways to innovative screening for the cervical cancer and advancing the latest treatment in therapeutic clinical trials. We work alongside our community engagement core to provide cervical cancer prevention education and support access to cervical cancer screening, such as with the SAGE program. More broadly, in all areas of cancer, our program aims to broaden the diversity and inclusion of students, trainees and researchers working within the MCC. We are accelerating our work in cancer care and research to meet the needs of our community while maintaining our core mission of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Rachel Ghebre, MD, MPH is a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School and gynecologist-oncologist at M Health Fairview. Dr. Ghebre is also Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Masonic Cancer Center. She is an expert in the surgical and medical management of women diagnosed with cancer of the ovary, endometrium, cervix, vulva or vagina.

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About University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and training the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. We recognize that the U of M medical school, both the Twin Cities campus and the Duluth campus, is located on the traditional, ancestral, and contemporary lands of the Dakotas and Ojibwe, and dozens of other Indigenous peoples, and we affirm our commitment to tribal communities and their sovereignty as we seek to improve and strengthen our relationships with tribal nations. For more information about the U of M School of Medicine, please visit med.umn.edu.

About the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota
The Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota is the only Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Twin Cities, designated “Outstanding” by the National Cancer Institute. As the Minnesota Cancer Center, we have served the entire state for over 30 years. Our researchers, educators and healthcare providers strive to discover the causes, prevention, detection and treatment of cancer and cancer-related diseases. Learn more about cancer.umn.edu.