Cervical Cancer
What is Cervical Cancer?
The cervix is the part of the uterus (womb) that connects the
main body of the uterus to the vagina. Cancer of the cervix usually
starts with abnormalities like dysplasia, which may resolve or
progress to cancer. The American Cancer Society has predicted about
10,000 new cases of cervical cancer each year.
What can cause cervical cancer? Can it be prevented?
- The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is
infection with
HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV is an infection that
is passed with sexual activity. HPV can cause changes in the
cervix, leading to cancer and can also cause genital warts.
- Smoking actually doubles your risk of developing cancer of
the cervix.
- Infection with Chlamydia will also increase the risk of
developing cervical cancer.
- Long term use of birth control pills seems to increase the
risk.
- Women who have had multiple pregnancies are at higher risk.
- Family history of cervical cancer in your mother or
sisters.
As you see the risk increases with increased sexual activity,
such as starting sexual activity at a young age or increased number
of sexual partners. So the best ways to prevent cervical cancer is
to reduce potential exposure to HPV and other STDs by not starting
sexual activity at young age and limiting the total number of sexual
partners. Also having routine PAP tests will detect the pre-cancer
and allow treatment before cancer starts.
NEWS FOR PREVENTION. A new vaccine,
Gardasil from Merck, may help prevent HPV infection and
therefore reduce the development of cervical cancer.
The doctors at ARFP routinely use the newer liquid based PAP test
which can allow better detection of HPV. We recommend having the PAP
test every year or with special indications every other year.
Call 227-6363 to make an
appointment with one of the doctors at Autumn Road Family Practice.