Preventing Cervical Cancer

January 31, 2020

The U.S. Congress has declared January as Cervical Health Awareness Month to encourage women to seek preventive measures against cervical cancer. Each year, over 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is most common among women over age 30, all women are at risk.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 13,800 new cases will be diagnosed and about 4,290 women will die. However, cervical cancer can be preventable with vaccination and appropriate screenings.

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 it 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.

Risk Factors?

While HPV is the leading cause, it is important to be aware of other risk factors:

• Smoking
• Weakened immune system
• Chlamydia infection
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Multiple full-term pregnancies
• Economic status
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables

Best Practices for Prevention:

Regular checkups are encouraged as a major preventive 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 an 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.

 

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has partnered with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to offer cervical cancer education to members of the community and healthcare providers. If you are of low-income status or uninsured, you may be eligible for a free cervical cancer screening.

For more information, please contact:

Savanah Foster, patient services coordinator, at (903) 877-1462.