January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about cervical cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV). Cervical cancer is preventable and treatable in its early stages, which is why health experts use this month to encourage women to get regular screenings and understand the importance of the HPV vaccination.

Nearly 300,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical precancers each year, according to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. In 2020, the American Cancer Society estimated nearly 14,000 women were diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer and more than 4,000 women died from the disease.

Cervical cancer used to be the leading cause of cancer-related death for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but with the increased use of Pap tests and the HPV vaccination, the cervical cancer death rate has dropped significantly in the past 40 years.

Healthcare experts say the two best ways to protect yourself from this type of cancer is to regularly get screened for it, and if you’re eligible, to get the vaccine.

Symptoms and Risks

Cervical cancer occurs in the lower part of the uterus and begins when healthy cells in the cervix develop mutations in their DNA. According to the CDC, nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, which is why the vaccine is highly recommended starting with preteens through those aged 26. Most cervical cancers start out as a precancerous change in the body — not presenting as cancer — which is why routine screenings can determine any abnormal changes before it’s too late.

Unfortunately, cervical cancer typically shows no signs or symptoms in its early stages, the Mayo Clinic reports. If the cancer is advanced, symptoms can include vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause; watery or bloody discharge; and pelvic pain or pain during intercourse.

Factors that can increase your risk of cervical cancer include:

  • Smoking.
  • An active or early sexual history, or having a partner who is considered high risk for HPV.
  • Using birth control pills for five or more years.
  • Having given birth to three or more children.
  • Having a family history of cervical cancer.
  • Having HIV or a weakened immune system.

In the U.S., Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, followed by African American women. The disease rarely develops in women under the age of 20 and is most frequently diagnosed in women between 35 and 44 years old. More than 20 percent of all cases are found in women over 60.

Talk with your provider about your risk for cervical cancer and to determine your plan for screenings.

Importance of Routine Screenings

There are two tests that help prevent cervical cancer or find it early — the Pap test, or Pap smear, and the human papillomavirus test. The Pap test specifically looks for precancers, which are cell changes in the cervix that develop into cancer if they are not treated. The HPV test looks for the specific virus that causes these cell changes.

The CDC recommends regular screenings starting at age 21 to lower your risk of cervical cancer. You should plan to schedule the test every three years, if your first test result is normal. At age 30, you can either continue Pap tests every three years or receive a Pap and HPV test every five years until you’re 65 years old. Those who have high risk of cancer may require more frequent screenings than the recommended guidelines.

The key is to get tested regularly, no matter which test you receive. Being proactive about your reproductive health is the best way to prevent disease, as most cervical cancers are found in women who have never had a Pap test or haven’t scheduled one in recent years, according to the American Cancer Society.

OB-GYN and Women’s Health at Prowers Medical Center

The Prowers Medical Center Clinic has a team of board-certified OB-GYNs and providers who deliver various women’s health services, including comprehensive obstetrics and gynecology, family planning, minimally invasive surgery, menopause and more. The New Beginnings Birth Center also offers individualized care for our patients and their newborns.

“One of the most important aspects of your health is ensuring you are up to date on preventative screenings, said Shelby Casper, Nurse Practitioner at Prowers Medical Center. “These screenings really are key to early detection and intervention — ultimately resulting in better outcomes. Women need to know the importance of preventative screenings, and we, as providers, are here to answer any questions along the way.”

Our team consults with any patient who is in need of women’s health services, no matter their insurance status. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 719-336-3179 or go to prowersmedical.com/services/womens-health.