The dangers of cervical cancer and the importance of early detection

by Richard DeFord Fitzgibbon Hospital

Cervical cancer is a serious and life-threatening disease that affects women all over the world. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 13,000 cases are diagnosed each year, more than half of which result in death. These statistics illustrate the seriousness of the disease, as well as the importance of recognizing the symptoms and detecting them early.

“It is important for women to know that we screen for cervical cancer with the Pap test. The Pap test is only used to detect cervical cancer,” said Dr. William Smith, OB/GYN for Marshall Women’s Care, noting that January is recognized as National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. uterus by the American Social Health Association.

“I don’t think many women know the reason for having Pap tests. I often ask women why we do this test, and they say they don’t know. It is important to understand that cervical cancer is highly detectable through routine screening.

According to the National Cancer Institute, the cervix is ​​the lowest part of a woman’s uterus. It is made up of two parts: the endocervical canal and the exocervix. The endocervical canal is at the base of the uterus and is often called the birth canal. The exocervix is ​​the part of the anatomy visible from the outside. Cervical cancer tends to develop in the exocervical region, mainly due to the presence of certain types of HPV, or human papilloma virus.

The human papillomavirus is the main cause of cervical cancer. It is estimated that 75% of women of childbearing age are infected with one or more types of genital HPV. In most cases, a woman infected with HPV may never show any signs or symptoms and the problem goes away through healthy immune system processes. However, in some women, HPV can lead to a persistent infection that almost always leads to cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer can be divided into three types, depending on the degree of progression. They are: 1. Carcinoma in situ—the first form of cervical cancer in which cells from the exocervix begin to grow abnormally but are still contained within the cervix.

2. Invasive cervical cancer — the cancer has spread beyond the cervix to other pelvic organs or other parts of the body.

3. Advanced or metastatic cervical cancer — the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body, including the lungs, liver, and bones.

“When a woman reaches the age of 21, we recommend that she present herself for a routine examination. Part of this examination includes a Pap test. Until the age of 30, we do a Pap test every three years if their tests are normal. After that it’s every three to five years depending on the practitioner,” Smith said.

The importance of early detection of cervical cancer cannot be overstated. In the early stages, the disease can be treated with a good prognosis. However, if the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body, the prognosis is usually poor. Therefore, it is important for all women to be aware of the dangers of cervical cancer and the importance of early detection. Be sure to see a doctor if any signs or symptoms appear and follow the doctor’s recommendations for regular screenings. With early detection and treatment, the outcome can be much more positive.

Another way to prevent HPV infection is to use the Gardasil vaccine, recommended for girls and boys as young as 9 years old. This multi-dose vaccine prevents cervical and other genital cancers as well as certain types of oral cancers caused by HPV infection. . Ask your child’s primary care provider or obstetrician/gynecologist to get you vaccinated. The Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover routine screenings for well women under certain guidelines, so out-of-pocket fees for routine Pap tests should be minimal. So don’t delay important screenings if you’re concerned about cost. Early detection of cancer leads to the best possibility of a positive outcome and even a cure.

To make an appointment with Dr. Smith or any of the caring staff at Marshall Women’s Care, call 660886-7800.