January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a great time to educate yourself on the causes and symptoms of this cancer, which can afflict anybody with a cervix. A November 2024 study showed that, over the last decade, vaccination has reduced cervical cancer deaths by 62% in women under 25.
by: SAC Health Staff Writer
Cervical cancer is uncontrolled cell growth in the cervix, the area of the female reproductive system between the vagina and the uterus. This abnormal growth can spread to other parts of the body, greatly increasing the health risk.
Cervical cancer is relatively unique among cancers in that almost all cases result from viral infection -- specifically from strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted disease. Although most HPV infections clear up on their own, a few strains linger for years, potentially causing abnormal cell growth that may develop into cancer.
About 14 million people contract HPV every year. If you’re sexually active and not vaccinated against it, you can expect to get HPV at least once. About 10% of cervical HPV infections are considered “high-risk” and may lead to precancerous growth. The risk is higher for women who have compromised immune systems, who smoke or breathe in secondhand smoke, or who are obese.
Preventing HPV is the most effective way to reduce your cervical cancer risk:
● Get the HPV vaccine as early as possible. A November 2024 study showed that, over the last decade, vaccination has reduced cervical cancer deaths by 62% in women under 25. The vaccine is a course of 2 to 3 doses, depending on your age. The best time to get vaccinated is before you become sexually active.
● Get regular pap smears starting at age 21. The HPV strains most likely to cause cancer are asymptomatic. A pap smear can detect both HPV infections and the precancerous lesions caused by high-risk strains.
● Talk with your sexual partners. If you’re diagnosed with HPV, let any recent sexual partners know that they should get tested themselves. It can be awkward, but communication is key to lowering the risk.
● Practice safe sex. If you have a high-risk form of HPV, consider refraining from sex while you undergo treatment. Condoms prevent some of the skin-to-skin contact that spreads HPV, but aren’t fully effective on their own.
The HPV vaccine differs depending on your age. Children can get vaccinated starting at age 9. Those between 9 and 15 only need 2 doses. People who start between 16 and 26, or those with weakened immune systems, should receive 3 doses. Vaccination is not recommended for anyone older than 26.
Although no treatment can remove an HPV infection from your body, there are treatment options for cancers the virus may cause. The symptoms of a long-term HPV infection that has developed into cervical cancer may include:
● Longer menstruation periods with heavier bleeding than usual.
● Vaginal bleeding outside menstruation periods, especially after sex.
● Pain in the pelvis during sex.
● Foul-smelling, watery vaginal discharge that may contain blood.
The five-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 91% if caught early, but drops to 60% if the cancer spreads to nearby organs, and 19% if it spreads throughout the body. Treatment options include:
● Surgically removing the cancerous cells.
● Hysterectomy.
● Radiation therapy.
● Chemotherapy.
● Immunotherapy.
● Medications that block the spread of tumors.
Its viral origins make cervical cancer one of the most preventable forms of cancer, but only if you pay close attention to your reproductive health. To contact Women's Health, call
(909) 382-7100 for appointments or visit sachealth.org/appointments.
