CERVICAL CANCER – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Life You Save May Be Your Own

By Barbara Barton Sloane

Even One is One Too Many

Four thousand women die of cervical cancer each year, and the major risk factor in developing this cancer is the sexually transmitted disease Human Papillomavirus (HPV). It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, and infects about 6.2 million Americans every year. It leads to cervical cancer for more than 10,000 women annually. Alarmingly, only about 40% of women between the ages of 18 and 75 have heard of HPV, and less than 20% understand the link between it and cervical cancer. Even more alarming, some experts downplay the risk of cervical cancer in the U.S., saying ‘only 4,000 women die each year’, but even one death from this disease is one too many. Other possible risk factors for developing cervical cancer are having many sexual partners, oral contraceptive use (the “Pill”) and a weakened immune system. It’s now time to de-mystify this disease. Education is the key.

What is Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells form in the tissue of the cervix. The cervix is the lower end of the uterus – where a fetus develops. There are no noticeable signs of early cervical cancer. The first stages of the diseases usually do not manifest symptoms. It is typically slow spreading, and can take up to 10 years for cancerous cells to invade the cervix. However, vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain or pain during intercourse may be symptoms.

Once the cancer is diagnosed, certain factors will determine the prognosis: the type of cervical cancer, the size of the tumor and the stage of the cancer. Treatment options also depend on the stage and size of the cancer, the patient’s desire to have children, and the patient’s age.

Although it may seem as if cervical cancer is the disease du jour, in fact this cancer is not new. For more than 20 years, it has been detected and treated. The reason we’re hearing so much about it today is because of the development of a cervical cancer vaccine – Gardasil – which the FDA approved in June, 2006, and which prevents two HPV strains responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. Illinois state senator Debbie Halvorson has introduced a controversial bill to make this vaccine mandatory for girls ages 11 and 12 (ideally, before they are sexually active). However, she is adamant: “This isn’t about sex – this is about cancer.”

The Good News

Most women’s immune systems naturally fight off HPV. Ninety percent of cases clear on their own without treatment. Diagnostic tests now exist to detect this disease in its early stages, so that it can be treated with surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Happily, women today are more educated about the importance of having yearly exams. According to Nancy Pawl, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine: “Having a yearly Pap test is crucial. Over the years, great strides have been made in almost eradicating cervical cancer through early detection.” Dr. Pawl also recommends the HPV vaccine for young, sexually active women. For those taking Gardasil’s 3-shot cycle there is still a need to get a regular Pap test since the vaccine does not protect against all of HPV’s cancer-causing strains. Knowledge is power. Through heightened awareness for the need of yearly testing, cervical cancer can be aggressively fought and cured.

For more information:
www.cancer.org