Cervical Cancer Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives
Each year, about 11,500 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the US. Approximately 1,490 of those cases are in Texas, which has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer in the US.
But here’s the good news: If caught early when still localized, cervical cancer is extremely treatable, with a 91% five-year survival rate. In contrast, cancer that has spread throughout the body has a 19% survival rate.
Since January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to talk about why cervical cancer screenings are so important and save lives.
What Is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a slow growing cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Your cervix is made up of two types of cells: glandular cells and squamous cells.
The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual contact and can cause changes in the squamous cells of the cervix.
In most cases, your body’s immune system can clear the HPV infection on its own, and the cell changes go away without causing any harm. However, if the infection persists, the abnormal cells may gradually develop into precancerous lesions that can become cancer. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years, but it varies for each person.
This is why regular screenings are so important. They help to detect these early changes before they can become cancer.
Cervical Cancer Screening Tests
A cervical cancer screening is made up of two main tests:
Pap smear: A Pap smear (or Pap test), which is often part of a well woman exam, is a quick and simple test where the provider takes a small sample of cells from your cervix. The cells are then examined in a lab to check for any abnormal changes.
If the result comes back abnormal, it doesn’t mean you have cancer. It just means that more testing may be needed to find out what’s going on.
HPV test: This test looks for signs of the virus in the cervix. Certain strains of HPV, like HPV 16 and 18, are linked to a higher risk of cervical cancer. Health care providers sometimes perform the HPV test alongside the Pap smear, which is called co-testing.
When Should You Be Screened?
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends the following cervical cancer screenings:
Ages 21-29
- Start with a Pap smear at age 21.
- If results are normal, continue having a Pap every three years until age 29.
Ages 30-65
At this stage, women have a few options for screening:
- Pap smear and HPV test (co-testing) every five years
- Pap smear alone every three years
- HPV test alone every five years
Ages 65+
- If you have had regular screenings up until age 65 with normal results, you may not need further cervical cancer screenings. This decision should be made with your provider based on your health history.
What Happens If a Test Result Is Abnormal?
It’s important to remember that an abnormal result on a cervical cancer screening doesn’t mean you have cancer. In fact, most of the time, your body can fix the problem on its own.
But when abnormal cells or HPV are detected, your health care provider may do further testing to collect more information, including:
- Colposcopy: This is a procedure where the provider uses a special microscope to look closely at your cervix to check for abnormal cell changes.
- Biopsy: If any concerning areas are detected, the provider might take a small tissue sample to send to the lab for testing. This helps to determine if the changes in your cervix are serious and if there are any signs of cancer.
While they may sound complicated, both of these tests are normally quick and relatively painless.
How Innovista Medical Center Can Help
Many Innovista Medical Center providers offer Pap smears and HPV testing. If you’re due for a screening, it’s easy to check MyChart to see which providers offer these services and schedule an appointment. Plus, your provider will review your health history and can answer any questions you may have.
Getting regular cervical cancer screenings is important for protecting your health. Early detection can catch problems before they become serious, making treatment easier and more effective.
