Each year, over 11,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer — a staggering statistic that highlights the need for greater awareness and prevention. That is why January was designated as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, to raise awareness of the risks of cervical cancer and increase vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV). In this blog, we will shed light on cervical cancer and share prevention tips to protect your health and that of your loved ones.

What is cervical cancer?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix grow out of control. Cervical cancer occurs most often in women over age 30 and HPV is the main cause.

What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during intercourse. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will get cervical cancer. There are many types of HPV; some types can cause changes on your cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

Symptoms of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer in its early stages may present no symptoms at all, but we’ve listed below a few common symptoms reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). These symptoms take time to develop and usually occur once the cancer has spread and grows into nearby tissue. If you experience any of the symptoms below, see a doctor immediately.

  • Irregular bleeding between periods, after menopause or after sexual intercourse
  • Increased or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Persistent pain in the back, legs or pelvis
  • Weight loss, fatigue and loss of appetite
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Swelling of the legs
  • Pain during sex

Factors that increase risk of cervical cancer

There are a few factors that can increase a woman’s risk of getting cervical cancer. According to the National Library of Medicine, smoking is a known risk factor that makes HPV infections more likely to lead to cervical precancer and cancer.

Another risk factor of getting cervical cancer is having the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or another condition that compromises your immune system. If you have a weakened immune system, it makes it harder for your body to fight the HPV virus and for it to clear up on its own over time.  Women with HIV are six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without it. In fact, HIV is responsible for around five percent of all cervical cancer cases worldwide. Cervical cancer is also the leading cause of death among women living with HIV.

Prevention tips

Although it can be serious, cervical cancer is highly preventable when detected early and managed proactively. Here are some actionable steps you can take to prevent HPV and reduce your risk for cancer.

HPV vaccine

The best prevention strategy for cervical cancer is to get the HPV vaccine, which is usually given to girls 9-14 years old, according to WHO. HPV vaccines are safe and usually have mild side-effects such as pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given. Other side effects include fever, headache or feeling tired, nausea and muscle or joint pain, according to the CDC. More severe symptoms may be an indicator of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness and weakness. If you experience these symptoms after an HPV vaccine, seek medical attention immediately.

Who should & should not get the HPV vaccine

The CDC recommends the HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26, if not vaccinated already. Teens and young adults who start the series at ages 15 through 26 years need three doses of the HPV vaccine. Three doses are also recommended for people with certain immunocompromising conditions ages 9 through 26 years. Pregnant women and women over 65 years should not receive the HPV vaccine.

Medical screening

According to WHO, timely screening is essential because if detected early, cervical cancer is highly treatable. Medical professionals recommend women to get screenings at different frequencies depending on their background and lifestyle. For example, women living with HIV should be screened for HPV every 3 years starting at 25 years old.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that women should start getting Pap smear tests every three years, beginning at age 21. Screening can detect cells that might indicate that cancer is present.

The USPSTF recommends combination screening for women ages 30 to 65, getting the Pap test every three years and a high-risk HPV test every five years. Another option is “cotesting,” where a woman does both tests every five years. HPV testing isn’t recommended for women under 21 and those over 65 years old who have a history of testing negatively or those who have had a hysterectomy.

In conclusion, if detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers, but taking the proper precautions can lower your risks such as getting the HPV vaccine, using condoms, refraining from smoking and getting routine screenings.

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