Dr. Sue Mitra
Cervical cancer remains a significant threat to the health and well-being of women. Today, the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.
January is Cervical Health Awareness month in the United States.
Cervical cancer begins when DNA mutations develop in the healthy cells in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects the main body of the uterus to the vagina.
The mutations cause the cells to multiply out of control and form a tumor. Cancer cells may invade nearby tissues and spread elsewhere in the body.
The two most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma develops at the lining of the outer part of the cervix, whereas cervical adenocarcinoma develops in glandular cells in the cervical canal.
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Many strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, contribute to the growth of cervical cancer cells.
Many women’s immune systems combat HPV, preventing the virus from causing cancer. Yet, some women are more susceptible to cervical cancer, as HPV lives in their bodies for years and aids in the emergence of cancer cells.
Most women with cervical cancer don’t experience signs in the early stages. But, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse, between periods or after menopause may occur.
Patients may develop bloody, foul-smelling bloody vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or lower back pain. Talk to your primary care provider if you have worrisome symptoms.
Some risk factors for cervical cancer include multiple sexual partners, smoking, a weak immune system, sexual activity at a young age, or other sexually transmitted infections.
How to reduce your risk
There are many effective ways to reduce cervical cancer risk.
Increasing preventive screening is vital to the effort to eradicate cervical cancer.
Since various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection play a role in causing cervical cancer, vaccines that protect against HPV could prevent the vast majority of cases.
Get vaccinated against HPV. The two-dose HPV vaccine six months apart is recommended for all between ages 11 and 12.
Children as young as 9 can receive the vaccine. Teens and young adults, from ages 15 to 26, also can receive three doses of the vaccine.
Some adults ages 27 to 45 might decide to get the HPV vaccine based on a discussion with their healthcare providers.
Regular Pap tests can detect and lead to the treatment of the disease at the precancerous stage, thereby having a greater chance of cure.
Most health care experts recommend Pap tests, which detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, beginning at age 21.
Pap testing is generally recommended every three years for women between 21 to 65 years of age. Pap testing can be done every five years with concomitant HPV testing in women 30 and older.
Certain risk factors, such as patients with a history of cervical cancer, abnormal pap smear, smoking, HIV, or another immunocompromised state, should get more-frequent Pap smears, regardless of your age.
Discuss the risks and benefits of Pap smears with your healthcare provider and decide what’s best for you based on your risk factors.
Practicing safe sex practices and not smoking also reduces cervical cancer risks.
Treatment options for cervical cancer are available based on the staging of the disease and the patient’s health condition.
The earlier cervical cancer is detected, the more successful treatment tends to be.
Common treatments include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or both. Raising awareness and diligent health maintenance checks can reduce the incidence of cervical care and related mortality.
Dr. Sue Mitra is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and has been practicing in Brevard County since 2002. Call Dr. Sue Mitra at 321-622-6222 to discuss cervical health and cervical cancer preventive strategies. You can also visit her at www.suemitra.com and schedule an appointment.
