By Marcus E. Randall, MD, FACR, FASTRO – Naples Cancer Advisors
As January marks Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, it’s an opportune time to celebrate the remarkable progress in reducing cervical cancer rates. The decline in cases and mortality is an unparalleled success story in oncology, particularly in developed countries. Public education about prevention and screening has been instrumental in achieving these results. Yet, with over 13,000 women diagnosed annually in the U.S. and nearly 4,500 succumbing to the disease, it’s clear we must continue efforts to provide the tools and resources that have saved so many lives.
SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION
The key to curing cervical cancer lies in early detection. Unlike many cancers, cervical cancer has highly effective screening tools. The majority of cases are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which can be detected through routine tests. Pap smears and HPV tests can identify changes in cervical cells before they progress to cancer.
These tools have revolutionized outcomes, enabling early diagnosis and intervention. Pre-cancerous changes can often be treated effectively with minimal procedures, even preserving fertility for younger women. Since the introduction of the Pap test, the incidence of cervical cancer and advanced cases has declined dramatically—an achievement primarily seen in populations with regular access to screenings.
U.S. PREVENTIVE SERVICES TASK FORCE RECOMMENDATIONS
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) provides evidence-based recommendations for preventive care, including cervical cancer screening. The current guidelines recommend:
. Women ages 21–29 undergo Pap tests every three years.
. Women ages 30–65 choose from three options:
Pap tests every three years, HPV tests every five years, or co-testing (both Pap and HPV tests) every five years.
Recent draft recommendations propose allowing women to self-collect HPV samples, a strategy that could improve access for underserved populations. As these updates are finalized, it remains crucial to educate the community about the latest guidelines and empower women to take control of their health.
HPV VACCINATION: PREVENTING CERVICAL CANCER
The HPV vaccine, approved for individuals aged 9–45, has significantly reduced the risk of cervical cancer. Targeting the most dangerous HPV strains, this vaccine is a game-changer, especially in high-risk populations. Expanding vaccine accessibility globally is critical to reducing cervical cancer rates in underserved regions.
Promoting HPV vaccination is essential in the mission to prevent cancer. By increasing awareness about the vaccine’s effectiveness and addressing vaccine hesitancy, we can help protect future generations from cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases.
CERVICAL CANCER AND OTHER
GYNECOLOGIC CANCERS
While cervical cancer has seen remarkable advancements, other gynecologic cancers—affecting the uterus, ovaries, vagina, and vulva—remain significant challenges. Vaginal and vulvar cancers, like cervical cancer, are often linked to HPV. Symptoms such as unexplained pelvic bleeding, pain, or changes in bowel or bladder habits should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
Unfortunately, effective screening tools for these cancers are not as developed as those for cervical cancer. However, progress in understanding genetic changes in some gynecologic cancers holds promise for improved treatments.
INTRODUCING DR. MARCUS RANDALL AND NAPLES CANCER ADVISORS
Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients navigate their care journey with confidence and clarity.
NCA provides a range of specialized consultation services, including second opinions, care coordination, clinical trial navigation, financial navigation, and access to precision oncology services such as genetic testing and counseling. These services are offered at no cost to patients, ensuring that individuals receive the guidance and support they need regardless of financial circumstances.
NCA is committed to empowering patients and their families through education, expert advice, and personalized care plans. By connecting patients with experienced oncologists and leveraging the latest advancements in cancer treatment, NCA helps ensure patients make informed decisions about their care and access the best possible treatment options.
We are also proud to announce that Dr. Marcus Randall has joined NCA as a specialist in gynecological oncology. Dr. Randall earned his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1982, receiving their Distinguished Medical Alumnus Award in 2017. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Virginia Medical Center. During his first faculty appointment at Wake Forest University he was recruited to Indiana University as Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, where he held the
William A. Mitchell Distinguished Professorship. Subsequently, he became Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Kentucky, where he held the Markey Foundation Endowed Chair. He is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Fellow of both the American College of Radiology and the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Randall has led national trials in endometrial and ovarian cancers within the Gynecologic Oncology Group (now NRG Oncology). He chaired several large randomized trials in endometrial cancer that were practice-changing, improving our knowledge of the respective roles of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the management of early stage and locally advanced endometrial cancer. While in the GOG/NRG, he chaired the Radiation Oncology Committee and for over 15 years was co-chair of the Uterine Corpus Committee. His clinical interests include brachytherapy and gynecologic malignancies. Outside of work, Dr. Randall enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with his family, including his seven grandchildren.
With Dr. Randall’s expertise and NCA’s comprehensive support services, we are making a significant impact in improving outcomes for women in Southwest Florida. By offering platinum-level care and guidance, NCA ensures that no patient faces their cancer journey alone.
A CALL TO ACTION
Cervical cancer’s dramatic decline is a testament to the power of prevention, education, and early intervention. However, there’s more work to be done. Ensuring access to screenings, promoting HPV vaccination, and advancing care for gynecologic cancers are vital next steps.
Naples Cancer Advisors continues to lead these efforts locally, providing resources that save lives. By supporting their mission, you can be part of the movement to protect women’s health and make cervical cancer a problem of the past. Together, we can ensure that every woman has the tools and care needed to live a healthy, cancer-free life.
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3201 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112, Naples, FL 34103
naplescanceradvisors.org