January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. At Marlboro Drug Company, we want to use this opportunity to encourage women to talk to their healthcare providers about the importance of getting screened for cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, often caused by the abnormal growth of cells in the cervix or a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). Although cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the United States, the cervical cancer death rate has dropped drastically over the last few decades. This decline can be attributed to the increased use of cervical cancer screening.
Screening is essential to the diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. To screen for cervical cancer, your doctor may choose to perform either a pap smear or an HPV test depending on your age and medical history.
One of the most effective ways to screen for and detect cervical cancer early is through regular pap smears. During this test, a small sample of cells is taken from the cervix and examined for abnormalities. These abnormalities may be precancerous changes or early-stage cervical cancer.
Another way your doctor may choose to screen for cervical cancer is through the use of an HPV test. This test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix and then testing those cells for genetic material of high-risk types of HPV associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. A positive HPV test does not mean that a woman has cervical cancer. Rather, it indicates she is at an increased risk of developing cervical cancer and further testing may be needed to confirm the presence of cervical cancer.
Both of these tests are usually performed during a routine pelvic exam. It’s important to note that these tests can help detect cervical cancer early, but they cannot actually diagnose it. If abnormal cells are found, a biopsy is usually done to confirm the diagnosis.
In general, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the following cervical cancer screening schedule:
Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years.
Women ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years, or just a Pap test every 3 years.
Women over age 65 who have had normal Pap test results for several years and are not at high risk for cervical cancer can stop getting Pap tests.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines and that the optimal screening schedule may differ for individual women, depending on risk factors and medical history. Each person should consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best schedule for cervical cancer screening.
Cervical cancer is preventable and highly treatable if it is detected early. It is essential for women to have regular screenings to help detect the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer. Reach out to your healthcare provider this month to schedule your cervical cancer screening!