Cer­vi­cal Can­cer Screen­ing and Pre­ven­tion: A Life­sav­ing Approach

Cervical cancer is a public health concern. Although screening and prevention have reduced the impact of this form of cancer, the National Cancer Institute projected that 13,960 women in the United States would be diagnosed in 2023. In North Carolina, more than 350 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year, and 37 of those women are from Onslow County.

At Onslow Radiation Oncology, we believe that “Knowledge is power.” We believe that it is important to provide our patients and community with information on cervical cancer screening, prevention, and treatment options to help us manage and maybe one day eradicate this disease.

The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer is highly preventable, and regular screening is a critical component of early detection. Cervical cancer develops in the cells lining the cervix the lower part of the uterus and is often linked to persistent infection with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The most common screening method is the Pap smear or Pap test, which involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope for abnormalities. Additionally, HPV testing has become an integral part of cervical cancer screening, as it can detect the presence of high-risk HPV strains that may lead to cervical cancer.

During your Pap test, your doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to widen your vagina. This helps your doctor examine the vagina and the cervix and collect a few cells and mucus from the cervix and the area around it. The cells will then be sent to a laboratory.

The American Cancer Society recommends that individuals with a cervix begin regular screenings at the age of 25, with the option to undergo an HPV test alone or in combination with a Pap test every five years. Individuals aged 21 to 24 are advised to undergo a Pap test alone every three years.

Risk Factors

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus transmitted through sexual activity, is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes in a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time. Meanwhile, other HPV types may result in the formation of genital or skin warts.

HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.

Preventive Measures: HPV Vaccination

One of the most effective preventive measures against cervical cancer is vaccination against high-risk HPV strains. Vaccines such as Gardasil 9 and Cervarix target specific HPV types known to cause cervical cancer. These vaccines are most effective when administered before exposure to the virus, that's why it's advised to administer routine vaccinations to adolescents, usually around the age of 11 or 12.

HPV vaccines not only protect against cervical cancer but also guard against other cancers caused by high-risk HPV, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and the back of the throat. By preventing HPV infection, these vaccines are a powerful tool in reducing the burden of cervical cancer in the long term.

Screening and prevention for cervical cancer are essential elements of women's healthcare, providing the chance to identify abnormalities early and thwart the progression to invasive cancer. Consistent Pap smears, HPV testing, and vaccination against high-risk HPV strains stand as powerful tools in the battle against cervical cancer.

Treatment

Cervical cancer can be treated in several ways. It depends on the kind of cervical cancer and how far it has spread. Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

• Surgery: Doctors remove cancer tissue in an operation.
• Chemotherapy: Using medicines to shrink or kill the cancer. The drugs can be pills you take, medicines given in your veins, or sometimes both.
• Radiation: Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer.

Choosing the treatment that is right for you may be difficult. Talk to your doctor about the treatment options available for your type and stage of cancer. Your doctor can explain the risks and benefits of each treatment and their side effects.

If radiation treatment is right for you, consider the expert team at Onslow Radiation Oncology. We are here for you or your loved one in the fight against cancer.

To learn more about cervical cancer and how Onslow Radiation Oncology can help you, visit our site here.