January Is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Regular Screenings and HPV Vaccine May Save Your Life

Following the medical guidelines for routine screening of cervical cancer is important.

Post Date:01/22/2020

The Morris-Somerset Regional Chronic Disease Coalition (RCDC) are urging women to take advantage of potentially life-saving screenings and immunizations that can significantly decrease one’s risk of developing cervical cancer.

Although cervical cancer is most prevalent in women age 30 years and over, all women are at risk. Early detection of cervical cancer through regular screening via a Pap test and/or HPV test is critical since it can increase your chance of survival if diagnosed and treated promptly.

What are Pap and HPV tests?
A Pap test finds abnormal cells that may turn into cancer if not treated, while an HPV test detects the human papillomavirus.   HPV is a precursor for cervical cancer but is preventable by getting the HPV vaccine.  In fact, 93% of women survive after receiving a diagnosis of early-stage cervical cancer, which shows the importance of regular screening.

It is recommended that women get a Pap test every three years beginning at age 21. From ages 30 to 65 years, women should continue with regular Pap tests but can go as long as five years between tests if combined with a test for HPV.

Routine screening is important
Following the medical guidelines for routine screening of cervical cancer is important, because women who have early-stage cervical cancer often do not have symptoms.  Abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge and pain during sex are all signs that a woman may have advanced-stage cervical cancer. Although these symptoms may be an indication of other conditions, if women are urged to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible if they ever experience any of these.

Receiving an HPV vaccination is the best way to prevent infections caused by the HPV virus, which leads to the majority (90%) of all cervical cancer cases in the United States.  While HPV can be transmitted through sexual contact, it is recommended that boys and girls at age 11 and 12 receive the vaccination long before they are exposed, and while their immune response is high.  Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits of receiving the HPV vaccine.

Practice healthy habits
Lifestyle can also factor into your risk of cervical cancer. Practicing good health habits, like not smoking, eating a diet high in fruits and veggies, and staying at a healthy weight are important.   On the other hand, long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills), use of intrauterine (IUD) devices, having multiple full-term pregnancies, and being younger than 17-years of age with your first full-term pregnancy are factors that can negatively affect your chances of getting cervical cancer. It is important to become educated about cervical cancer prevention and consult with your healthcare provider about what is right for you.

For more information on Cervical Cancer Prevention, including information on low cost or reduced-cost medical care, visit the Morris Somerset Regional Chronic Disease Coalition at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health

The Morris-Somerset Regional Chronic Disease Coalition is made possible by a grant from the New Jersey Office of Cancer Control and Prevention and is administered by the Somerset County Department of Health.

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