Whether you choose to make a specific New Year’s resolution or resolve to make 2021 a better year, any commitment to improved health and wellness is a great choice. The focus in January on preventing cervical cancer is aimed at getting your best start at a great year.
Cervical cancer is most treatable in its early stages, but it usually produces no noticeable symptoms during this time and is detectable only through screening or testing. Doctors have for many years encouraged women to receive regular pap tests to look for changes and irregularities in the cells of the cervix. Now there also is an HPV test and a vaccine that can help in the fight against cervical cancer.
Options for women today
Beginning at age 21 and through age 65, the pap test continues to be an effective way to catch cervical cancer in its earliest stages. The test looks for changes in cervical cells that could become cancerous and treats the condition before cancer can develop. If test results are normal, women may in most cases get pap tests every three years.
A newer option for women is a test for HPV, human papillomavirus, which is a virus that can cause the cell changes that lead to cervical cancer. The test looks for an infection, which could mean a higher risk for developing cervical cancer.
In recent years, doctors are encouraging young women and men to receive an HPV vaccine, which protects against this virus, although it does not treat an existing infection. While the vaccine is most effective when administered to young women and men before they are sexually active, doctors are identifying benefits for older patients as well.
A woman’s best defense against cervical cancer, and any cancer, is an annual exam and active communication with her doctor. Any of the following symptoms should be discussed immediately.
- Painful urination or urgent need to urinate
- Unexplained swelling in legs
- Persistent lower back or pelvic pain
- Vaginal discharge that is thick, odorous or tinged with blood
- Unusually heavy or long menstrual periods
- Vaginal bleeding or pain during sexual intercourse
What you should know about screening for cervical cancer
You should discuss a screening program and any benefit you may get from a vaccination with your doctor. Your unique plan for which tests and the frequency of them will be based on your age, medical history and cancer risk. Consider the following facts:
- At 30 years and older, your doctor may suggest a pap test only, or a pap and HPV test together.
- Normal pap or HPV test results may allow you to wait three to five years for your next screening.
- While a pap test finds cell changes in the cervix, the HPV test may help doctors identify women who are more at risk for cervical cancer.
- An HPV vaccine is recommended by the CDC for both girls and boys as early as 11 years old because the body’s immune response is stronger, however, older adults who have not been vaccinated may still benefit from the vaccine up to age 45.
If you have questions about testing for cervical cancer and whether you are at greater risk, call our office today for an appointment.