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CERVICAL CANCER INFO

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is a disease caused by abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix, which is the narrow, lower end of the uterus (womb).

RISK FACTORS:

Doctors cannot always explain why one woman develops cervical cancer and another does not. However, we do know that a woman with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to develop cervical cancer.

• 40 yrs and above
• Family history
• Lack of regular pap tests
• Multiple sex partners
• Tobacco use
• Birth Control Pills
• HPV infection
• Heavy alcohol drinkers

SYMPTOMS:

A woman may not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer. It usually takes several years for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer cells. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer may include the following: Loss of appetite

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pelvic pain
• Bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Bleeding that occurs between regular menstrual periods
• Leaking of urine or feces from the vagina
• Increased vaginal discharge
• Bone fractures

PREVENTION/SCREENING:

If caught in the early stages, cervical cancer is almost 100% curable. The chances of detecting cervical cancer at an early stage are greatly increased by having regular pap tests. It is important not to wait to feel pains before seeing a doctor.

A vaccine is now available for girls and young women that protect them against the four types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers.

The American Cancer Society recommends the following screening schedule:

• Women should begin having Pap tests every 3 yrs after they begin having sexual intercourse, or when they reach 21 (whichever comes first).

• Most women should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years.

• Women ages 65 to 70 who have had at least 3 normal Pap tests and no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years may decide, after speaking with their doctor, to stop cervical cancer screening.

• Women who have had a hysterectomy (surgery) to remove uterus and cervix, also called a total hysterectomy, do not need to have cervical cancer screening.

To be eligible for our breast cervical cancer screening program, you must:

• Live in Montgomery County
• Uninsured or under-insured
• Low income (must meet Federal Poverty Guidelines)
• Be between the ages of 40 and 70
• Have no current diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers

For cervical cancer screenings information, please call 240.777.1750