The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results report for the years 2001-2005 estimates that 11,070 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008. Of those women, 3,870 will die from the disease. Many experts agree that early detection of cervical cancer can improve a woman's chance of survival.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix, which is located in the lower part of a woman's uterus. According to WebMD.com, Some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding not associated with menstruation;
- Bleeding when something comes into contact with the cervix (such as a diaphragm or during intercourse);
- Painful intercourse;
- Vaginal discharge that is tinged with blood
How Cervical Cancer is Diagnosed
Cervical cancer can be detected during a regular pap smear. Doctors recommend that women begin having yearly pap smears after a woman's first intercourse or at age 18. During a pap smear, a doctor collects a small sample of cells from the patient's cervix. If those cells appear to be abnormal, a doctor might decide to do a colposcopy, which involves taking a closer look at the cervix and, in some cases, taking a biopsy of the abnormal cells. In many cases, abnormal cells are nothing for a patient to worry about. But in other cases, these abnormal cells may be a sign of cervical cancer.
Early Detection of Cervical Cancer and Treatment
If caught early, cervical cancer can be treated successfully. This is why it is important for women to have regular exams and to follow up if their test results are abnormal. According to The American Cancer Society, between 60% - 80% of women diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in the last 5 years. This happens for various reasons: lack of health insurance, low income, depression and various other reasons people put off going to the doctor. But if caught early, successful treatment is possible.
Cervical cancer is treated in several ways:
- Radiation therapy;
- Chemotherapy;
- Hysterectomy and removal of the pelvic lymph nodes
Prevention
In some cases, cervical cancer is a result of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. However, an HPV diagnosis does not necessarily mean a woman will develop cervical cancer. Doctors do recommend that women take the following preventitive measure to reduce the possibility of contracting HPV:
- Delay first intercourse
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Don't smoke
- Get vaccinated
The HPV Vaccine, Gardasil, is recommended for women ages 13 to 26. It can prevent certain types of HPV but will not cure an pre-existing infection.
Even if a woman takes precautionary measures, cervical cancer is still a possibility. An HPV infection does not need to be present for a woman to develop cervical cancer. Like other cancers that occur in the body, there are various kinds of cervical cancer. Some have a higher cure rate than others. It's important that any woman diagnosed with cervical cancer ask questions about her specific type of cancer and the treatment plan her doctor proposes.
Reliable Resources About Cervical Cancer
- See your gynecologist yearly and follow up on any abnormal test results;
- Do research: check out WebMD or The American Cancer Society
- Women with income barriers can contact their local free clinic or Planned Parenthood Clinic to inquire about payment options.
