Several advancements in recent years are helping more women beat cervical, uterine, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers, which occur in the reproductive organs.
Each year in the United States, 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths among women, cervical cancer’s death rate has declined by more than 50 percent over the past several decades. Standard PAP test screenings and widespread acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have drastically reduced the occurrence of cervical cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer starts when cells that line the cervix – the lower part of the uterus (womb) – begin to grow out of control. While all women are at risk, cervical cancer is diagnosed most frequently in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses which can weaken the immune system and put women at high risk for infection. Other factors can increase your risk, including:
• Having first sexual intercourse at an early age
• Having many sexual partners
• Giving birth to three or more children
• Smoking cigarettes (this produces chemicals that
can damage cervical cells)
• Using oral contraceptives long-term
A Silent Cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer does not usually produce symptoms. As it progresses and spreads, common symptoms may include:
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Persistent pelvic or low back pain
Since other conditions can cause these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Screenings are the best prevention
Because it can take years to develop, as it stays hidden, it is important to begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. A Pap smear can detect abnormal changes, which tend to develop gradually in cervical cells. The HPV test looks for high-risk types of HPV infection that are more likely to cause pre-cancers and cancer of the cervix. The two tests can be done alone or at the same time during a pelvic exam.
Pap tests are recommended every three years for women ages 21 to 29, and then every three to five years, in addition to an HPV test, until age 65. Nearly 20 percent of new cases are diagnosed in women over age 65, especially those who have not gotten regular screenings. Talk with your doctor for guidance. Women who have had a total hysterectomy can discontinue cervical cancer screening.
Since more than 90 percent of cervical cancers are caused by HPV, vaccines have been a tremendous addition to prevention.
HPV vaccines are recommended for girls and boys between ages 9 and 12, and for young adults ages 13 through 26 who have not been vaccinated or received all doses. These vaccines are not recommended for adults over age 26.
The science treatment continues to improve
When found early and managed effectively, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of cancer. The earliest stages of cervical cancer are most commonly treated with surgery or radiation, sometimes combined with chemotherapy. Radiation (sometimes combined with chemotherapy) is often used to treat advanced cervical cancer.
Cancer Screenings are more important than ever
The importance of screening cannot be overstated. Routine screenings can detect cancer in early stages, before a woman has symptoms, and detecting cancer early makes it easier to treat.
It’s important to stay on track with cancer screenings and preventive care, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Florida Cancer Specialists and other healthcare professionals have protocols to keep patients safe as they get screened or seek care.
Throughout the pandemic, many people have chosen to postpone or even skip recommended screenings for various types of cancers, causing a substantial delay in diagnosis and treatment. Because of this, some patients are being diagnosed with more advanced stages of cancer, and there have been delays in beginning treatment, resulting in poorer outcomes for patients. Early diagnosis and treatment are substantial factors in surviving cancer; please do not skip or delay your recommended screenings.
A Hopeful Outlook
Ongoing medical research involving a growing number of clinical trials is expected to yield more screening tests, genomic testing, new drugs and immunotherapy treatment options for beating the various cancers of a woman’s reproductive tract. Oncology experts remain upbeat, and many believe that with a continued comprehensive approach to prevention, screening and treatment, cervical cancer can be eliminated within our generation.
World-Class Cancer Treatment Close to Home
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC:
(FLCancer.com)
Recognized by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) with a national Clinical Trials Participation Award, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) offers patients access to more clinical trials than any private oncology practice in Florida. In the past four years, the majority of new cancer drugs approved for use in the U.S. were studied in clinical trials with Florida Cancer Specialists’ participation.* Trained in prestigious medical schools and research institutes, our physicians are consistently ranked nationally as Top Doctors by U.S. News & World Report.
Founded in 1984, Florida Cancer Specialists has built a national reputation for excellence that is reflected in exceptional and compassionate patient care, driven by innovative clinical research, cutting-edge technologies and advanced treatments, including targeted therapies, genomic-based treatment, and immunotherapy. Our highest values are embodied by our outstanding team of highly trained and dedicated physicians, clinicians and staff.
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