January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

By Kacey Flores, PA-C, Physician Assistant, Coastal Gateway Health Center

  Did you know that cervical cancer is the easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and vaccination? It is also curable when detected and treated early.

  In the United States, an estimated 12,000 women get cervical cancer each year.  Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). 

  Most cervical cancers (99%) are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV).  HPV is passed from person to person through genital contact, such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex.  Although most infections with HPV resolve spontaneously and cause no symptoms, persistent infection can cause cervical cancer in women. Risk factors for developing cancer include smoking, having HIV or reduced immunity, taking birth control pills for more than five (5) years, and giving birth to three or more children.  An individual may or may not notice any signs of cervical cancer.  Signs of advanced cervical cancer may include bleeding or discharge from the vagina.  These symptoms may not be caused by confirmed cervical cancer; the only sure way to know is to see your healthcare provider for screening and exam.

  Screening for cervical cancer is done through a Pap test and/or HPV test.  A Pap test will look for changes in cervical cells that could become cancerous if not treated.  If the Pap test finds major changes in the cells of the cervix, your healthcare provider may suggest more tests to look for cancer.  Women who have had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix do not need a pap test any longer.

  How often an individual should be screened for cervical cancer varies based on age and health history.  While it is still best to talk to your healthcare provider, most women can follow these guidelines: 

• If you are between 21 and 29, you should get a Pap test every three (3) years.
• If you are between 30 and 64, you should get a Pap test and HPV test together every five (5) years or a Pap test alone every three (3) years.
• If you are 65 or older, ask your doctor if you can stop having Pap tests.

  HPV vaccine can prevent over 90% of cancers caused by HPV. HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for adolescents 11-12 years of age to ensure they are protected before they are exposed to the virus. HPV vaccine may be given beginning as early as age 9, and vaccination is recommended for everyone through 26 years of age.  

  In summary, you can take part in lowering your risks of getting cervical cancer.  If you are younger than 26, get your HPV vaccine.  Get regular Pap tests using the guidelines listed above.  Be monogamous, having sex with just one partner greatly lowers your risk.  And lastly; use condoms, it is the best way to prevent any sexually transmitted infection (STI), including HPV.

  Coastal Gateway Health Center can be reached by phone at 409.296.4444 or by email at [email protected].  Or for more information regarding our services and programs, please visit our website at www.coastalgatewayhc.org or find and follow us on Facebook.  We are proud to be #yourcommunityhealthcenter.