Cervical Cancer Awareness

When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage, the five-year survival rate jumps to approximately 91 percent. This underscores the importance of regular Pap smears which can detect cervical cancer in its earliest stages.

What Are The Warning Signs Of Cervical Cancer?
Early-stage cervical cancer does not have many warning signs. Even so, this type of cancer is becoming increasingly preventable due to the prevalence of routine Pap testing, which can detect precancerous and cancerous changes in the cervix before symptoms develop, and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which protects against the HPV strains that are responsible for causing cervical cancer.

As with any type of cancer, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer is key to achieving the best possible outcome and quality of life. Therefore, in addition to taking preventive steps, it is important for every woman to know the warning signs and to see a physician promptly if she believes anything is amiss.

What to watch for: The most common warning sign of cervical cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, which usually occurs after the cancer has spread into nearby tissues. In general, vaginal bleeding is abnormal if it occurs between menstrual periods or after sexual intercourse, menopause or a pelvic exam, or if a menstrual period is heavier or lasts longer than usual.

As cervical cancer advances, other warning signs may develop, such as:

• Unusual vaginal discharge– If cervical cancer cells lack oxygen, they can die and cause an infection. The infection may produce a foul-smelling vaginal discharge, which may be pale, watery, brown or streaked with blood.
• Low back or pelvic pain – As a cervical tumor grows, it may begin to press against nearby reproductive organs and tissues, especially during sexual intercourse.
• Leg pain– A large tumor may exert pressure on a nerve in the pelvic wall, resulting in leg pain and swelling.
• Unexplained weight loss– Like many other cancers, cervical cancer can cause a loss of appetite. Additionally, weight loss may be a problem regardless of the amount of food consumed.

Reference: moffit.org/cancers/cervical-cancer

Human papillomavirus, better known as HPV, is the main cause of cervical cancer. It is also the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer.

When detected early, cervical cancer is highly curable. But the cancer in its early stages may have no signs or symptoms. This is why regular screening is so important.

Get Vaccinated! The HPV Vaccine
HPV vaccination is recommended for:

• • Preteen girls and boys ages 11 and 12.
  • Women ages 13 through 26 who haven’t been vaccinated yet or have not completed the vaccine series.

Get Screened! The Pap Test
Regular screening, also called a Pap test, is recommended for:

• • All women aged 21 to 65 (including women who got the HPV vaccination)

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