January 2008

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January is National Cervical Cancer Screening Month

For this year's National Cervical Cancer Screening Month, we have something to celebrate. The good news is that a combination of a new vaccine and regular Pap tests and HPV tests when recommended make cervical cancer one of the most preventable types of cancer. Cervical cancer affects more than 11,000 women each year in the United States. An additional two to three million women will have an abnormal Pap result this year, leading to worries about cervical cancer and over $4 billion in costs to the American health care system. Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in women. The cervical cancer vaccine with regular screening can save lives, and prevent fear and discomfort related to the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer and abnormal Pap tests.

The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) has undertaken a wide-ranging public education campaign, along with other national organizations, to educate the public to take action to prevent this disease. GCF hosts a web site www.cervicalcancercampaign.org where brochures on the vaccine, HPV, the Pap test and cervical cancer treatment can be found and downloaded at no cost. The web site also contains two detailed educational presentations available for use by the public and the answers to dozens of frequently asked questions.

To accomplish the goal of preventing cervical cancer, we all have to take action and make sure that we follow these three recommendations:

1. Vaccinate early. The cervical cancer vaccine (also called the Human Papillomavirus or HPV vaccine) protects against the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. It is recommended for girls 11-12, but girls and young women between the ages of 9-26 also may be vaccinated. Ideally, the vaccine should be given before first sexual contact, but females who are already sexually active should also be vaccinated. A decision about whether to vaccinate a woman aged 19-26 should be made based on an informed discussion between a woman and her doctor about her risk of previous HPV exposure and potential benefit from vaccination.
   
   
2. Pap test regularly. Women should have regular Pap screening beginning at age 21 or within 3 years of first sexual activity. The Pap test can detect changes on the cervix that may be precancerous before lesions may be visible to the naked eye. Treatment of these small, potentially precancerous lesions is very easy and very curable. The testing schedule depends on a woman's age, previous Pap test results and type of Pap test used.
   
   
   • Women younger than 30: screen every year with a regular Pap test OR every 2 years with a liquid-based Pap test until age 30 as long as the Pap test is normal.
     
     
   • Women 30 or over: screen every two or three years depending on the type of Pap test used if she has had 3 negative results on prior Pap tests OR screen with a Pap test and the addition of the HPV test. If both the Pap test and the HPV test are negative, re-screening does not need to occur for another 2 years.
     
     
   • Each woman should talk to her doctor to decide which screening interval is best for her.
     
     
3. HPV test when recommended. The HPV test can detect high-risk types of HPV that can cause changes in the cells of a woman's cervix. Women 30 years or older may have both the Pap test and the HPV test for cervical cancer screening if it is offered and recommended by your doctor. The HPV test can also be used to help understand the meaning of certain borderline abnormal Pap tests.

HPV is a family of very common viruses that causes almost all cervical cancers, plus a variety of other problems like common warts, genital warts, and plantar warts. HPV also causes cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and cancers of the head and neck. Women and men become infected with HPVs that cause cervical cancer through sexual intercourse and sexual contact. Nearly 80 percent of women and men will be exposed to HPV during their lifetime; however, very few women will ever develop disease related to their HPV. So having an HPV infection is common, but disease related to that HPV infection is uncommon. The only sure protection from HPV is lifelong abstinence. You can decrease your risk by limiting your number of sexual partners. Regular condom use can also help prevent spread of HPV infection.

Be a part of cervical cancer prevention. Get the facts, visit www.cervicalcancercampaign.org, and then take action. Make an appointment for your annual check-up, and talk to your doctor about the right schedule for Pap and HPV tests for you. Ask your sister and your mother and your best friend if they have had their regular exam. If not, urge them to make that appointment. If you have a daughter between the ages of 9-18, make an appointment for her to get vaccinated. If you have a daughter between the ages of 18 and 26, urge her to talk to her doctor about the vaccine. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. Make this January a true celebration of cervical cancer prevention.

A young woman who was dying of cervical cancer several years ago said, "I just didn't get it...I wish that I'd known more." She went on to instruct her young daughters standing at her bedside to make sure that they get screened at the right time, which they continue to do without fail since their mother's passing. I know that if the vaccine had been available then, she would have urged them to be vaccinated, too.

Remember: You can prevent cervical cancer. Vaccinate early. Pap test regularly. Have HPV tests when recommended.

Get More Information on womenshealth.gov:

• Cervical Cancer FAQ
• National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
• National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
  
  
• Read past months' Featured Health Articles
• Disclaimer

Content last updated January 1, 2008.