Preventing Cervical Cancer and Promoting a Healthy Cervix

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. The cervix is part of the female reproductive system, connecting the body of the uterus (womb) to the vagina (birth canal).

Each year, over 11,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. However, there are measures to prevent cervical cancer and promote a healthy cervix.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common infection that is typically spread via sexual activity. It is estimated that approximately 79 million Americans have HPV, but many are unaware of their infected status. However, there is a vaccine for HPV and is recommended for boys and girls at age 11 or 12; women up to age 26 can still receive the vaccine, as well as men up to age 21. There are factors that increase the risk of HPV:

• A weakened immune system caused by immunosuppression, which weakens the body’s ability to fight infection and disease. The body’s ability to fight HPV may be lowered by long-term immunosuppression from:
  • Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Medicine to help prevent organ rejection after a transplant.
• Sexually active at a young age.
• Many sexual partners.

While HPV is the leading cause, it does not necessarily denote imminent cervical cancer. However, for women diagnosed with HPV there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of cervical cancer. These risk factors include:

• Giving birth to many children.
• Smoking cigarettes.
• Using oral contraceptive (“the Pill”) for a protracted time.

Typically, cervical cancer shows no sign or symptom in the early stages; however, these and other signs can suggest cervical cancer:

• Vaginal bleeding (includes bleeding post sexual intercourse).
• Unusual vaginal discharge.
• Pelvic pain.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.

Consult a doctor to see if the vaccine is right for you or your children, or should you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. If you are looking for a family physician, call (903) 877-7000 for recommendation assistance.

Best Practices for Prevention

Regular check-ups are encouraged as a major preventative measure. Women age 21 – 29 are recommended to get a Pap smear every three years if they are at average risk for cervical cancer. Women who have a family history of cancer or a history of irregular Pap smear results are considered to have above average risk for cervical cancer. It is recommended, by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that women age 30 – 65 get HPV co-test (Pap smear and HPV test) every five years or a cytology screening every three years. A Pap smear is a swab of the cervix and is examined for precancerous and cancerous cells.

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