January is Cervical Cancer Prevention Month
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What is cervical cancer?
Cancer of the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up. It also is highly curable when found and treated early.
Who gets cervical cancer?
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Each year, approximately 12,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Early on, cervical cancer may not cause signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor.
How can I prevent cervical cancer?
• Get the HPV vaccine. It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, vulvar or anal cancers. It is given in a series of two - three shots. It is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. Please make an appointment today for your or your child’s vaccination. If you don’t have insurance, or your insurance does not cover vaccines, the Montana Vaccine for Kids Program can help. Please contact the Chouteau County Health Department for more information at 622-3771.
Also,
• See your doctor regularly for a Pap test that can find cervical precancers.
• Follow up with your doctor, if your Pap test results are not normal.
• Don’t smoke.
• Use condoms during sex.*
• Limit your number of sexual partners.
Are there tests that can prevent cervical cancer or find it early?
There are two tests that can either help prevent cervical cancer or find it early:
• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, cell changes, on the cervix that can be treated, so that cervical cancer is prevented. The Pap test also can find cervical cancer early, when treatment is most effective. The Pap test is recommended for women aged 21-65 years old. The Pap test only screens for cervical cancer. It does not screen for any other gynecologic cancer.
• The HPV test looks for HPV— the virus that can cause precancerous cell changes and cervical cancer.
When should I get tested for cervical cancer?
The Pap test is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available. You should start getting regular Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test results are normal, your doctor may say that you will not need another Pap test for three years.
The HPV test can be used to screen for cervical cancer along with the Pap test in women aged 30 years and older. It also is used to provide more information when women aged 21 years and older have unclear Pap test results.
If you are age 30 or older, you may choose to have an HPV test along with the Pap test. If the results are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor may then say that you can wait up to five years for your next screening.
For women aged 21-65, it is important to continue getting a Pap test as directed by your doctor.
If you have a low income or do not have health insurance, you may be able to get a free or low-cost Pap test through National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. Contact your Blaine County Health Department for more information at 357-2345.
