The importance of early screening for cervical cancer
Routine pap smears and the HPV vaccine are key to preventing cervical cancer.
If you’re thinking about skipping your next pap smear: don’t. Pap smears are key to preventing cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 14,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 and about 4,290 could die from it.
These numbers used to be higher, but with routine screening and immunization for the human papillomavirus (which causes cervical cancer in most cases), the cervical cancer death rate has declined.
Read on to learn more about cervical cancer, how it develops, and why early screening is one of the key prevention strategies for this disease.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts with cells in the cervix, the narrow tube that connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina.
Often, symptoms don’t show up until the cancer has progressed. In the early stages, symptoms can include irregular bleeding or spotting between periods, bleeding after sex, or increased vaginal discharge.
What causes cervical cancer?
Most forms of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is transmitted by sexual contact — including oral, vaginal, or anal sex — and it’s the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S.
Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their lives, and usually the infection won’t leave any lasting damage. HPV infections tend to go away on their own, within one to two years. Many people don’t even know they were infected with HPV.
However, in some people, an HPV infection can linger and cause cancerous cell changes. If left untreated, this can lead to cancer. Though HPV has many forms, there are two types that are most commonly associated with cervical cancer: HPV-16 and HPV-18.
HPV is responsible for more than 90 percent of anal and cervical cancers, according to the CDC. It may also cause cancers of the anus, throat, penis, vagina, or vulva.
How can cervical cancer be prevented?
Cervical cancer can be prevented through routine pap smears, while HPV infection can be prevented through HPV immunization and practicing safe sex.
Pap tests
During a pap test (also known as a pap smear), doctors take cell samples from the cervix, and test the cells to see if they are abnormal or showing any precancerous changes.
That way, if test results show any signs of pre-cancer, doctors can provide treatment and continue monitoring to ensure that cervical cancer does not develop.
Screening via pap smears decreases the cervical cancer death rate, the American Cancer Society reports.
Every woman should receive routine pap smears every three years starting from age 21. From age 30 onward, women may choose to have a pap smear or an HPV test or both tests together. However, doctors may recommend more frequent testing depending on risk factors.
HPV Vaccine
Though HPV infections are common, there is a vaccine that can protect against the types of HPV that most often lead to cervical cancer.
To be effective, the vaccine must be received before having sex for the first time and before an HPV infection occurs. Once someone contracts HPV, the vaccine won’t combat the infection.
Children as young as 11 or 12 years old can receive the HPV vaccine. If you haven’t received the vaccine yet, ask your doctor about it.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. To learn more about the HPV vaccine, visit the CDC’s website.
Safe sex and HPV testing
Practicing safe sex helps prevent STIs like HPV.
Using a condom during sex and limiting sexual partners are two safe sex strategies that can reduce your risk of contracting HPV.
Safe sex also includes regular STI testing for both you and your partner. This includes testing for HPV. Even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine, it does not protect against every type of HPV (just the ones most likely to cause cervical cancer), so testing can still help.
HPV testing is separate from a pap smear, but the two tests can be done at the same time (known as a co-test).
Cervical cancer does not have to be deadly. It is treatable and survivable when detected as early as possible.
When cervical cancer is localized (that is, confined to the cervix or uterus) the 5-year survival rate is 92 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. The survival rate drops once the cancer has spread.
Remember you can take active steps to prevent cervical cancer from developing in the first place. This means getting routine pap smears, HPV testing, and being vaccinated for HPV if you haven’t already.
Alpha offers at-home STI testing for other common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea. For more information, or to get treated for a medical condition online, check out our website.
