Not long ago, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of death for women with cancer in the Unites States. However, the rates of cervical cancer have rapidly declined since the introduction of regular screening with Pap smears and the creation of the HPV vaccine. With these interventions, cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable.
Regular gynecologic exams and Pap smears are able to detect precancerous changes that can safely be treated, therefore preventing progression to cervical cancer. Women should visit their gynecologist every year for a general exam. Pap smears are recommended every three to five years depending on a woman’s specific medical history.
The nation’s top cancer centers agree the best way of preventing HPV is through a two-step vaccination series given to preteen boys and girls before they become sexually active. It is most effective when given at age 11 or 12, but adults can also receive the HPV vaccine. Read more about the vaccination recommendation here.
The cervix connects a woman’s uterus to her vagina. It widens during childbirth to allow the baby to pass through. The cells within the cervix are susceptible to infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is contracted through sexual intercourse and affects both men and women of any age. Researchers have concluded that most adults have already been infected with HPV, however most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms and go away without treatment. Cervical cancer results from an HPV infection that does not go away. Routine Pap smears will detect HPV infection so that it can be treated before turning into cancer.
What to expect during a Pap smear
A Pap smear is performed by an ob/gyn, primary care physician or an advanced practice nurse. Some women find them uncomfortable, but Pap smears should not be painful. The entire examination and Pap smear typically takes about 5 minutes.
During a Pap smear, a woman lies on her back on top of an examination table. Her legs are bent and her feet are on footrests. Using a device called, a speculum, the provider will gently spread the vaginal walls to examine the vagina and the cervix. The doctor will then use a swab to collect several cell samples from the cervix. These cells will be sent to a lab for evaluation. The physician’s office will call to deliver results of the Pap smear in about one week. If the results reveal an abnormality, the doctor will often ask the woman to return for additional screening to either rule out the abnormality or confirm a diagnosis.
Do you need a gynecologist or primary care doctor? Find yours here.
Know the symptoms of cervical cancer
Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable. The battle against cervical cancer will be won through increased awareness, HPV vaccination and regular Pap smears. Here are some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer:
- Abnormal Pap smear
- Pain during sex
- Bleeding after sex
- Longer and/or heavier periods
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between periods
- Other abnormal vaginal bleeding
Help the women you love stay healthy. Share this CDC infographic about preventing cervical cancer.
To make an appointment with the experts in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UT Health Physicians, call 210-450-9500.
