Cervical Cancer Update (Alexandria/Pineville, Louisiana)

Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women.According to the National Cancer Institute, approximately 10,000 women in the United States were diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 4,000 died.We now know that women exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease, are at risk for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer starts as a pre-cancerous condition known as dysplasia that can be detected on a Pap smear.At this point it is curable. It develops very slowly into cancer. Most patients diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had regular Pap smears. Since the 1950's the Pap test has saved the lives of 70% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Symptoms of early cervical cancer include, continuous vaginal discharge that may be pale, watery, pink, brown, or foul smelling. A patient may have abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, after intercourse or after menopause. When cervical cancer has advanced the symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, pelvicpain, back pain, leg pain or swelling of one leg, heavy vaginal bleeding. Risk factors for cervical cancer include multiple sexual partners, becoming sexually active at a very young age, weakened immune system and infections with Chlamydia or genital herpes.

To prevent cervical cancer, women should practice safe sex with the use of condoms. The number of sexual partners should be limited and avoid sex with partners who participate in high-risk sexual activities.Women should have regular Pap smears to help detect any pre-cancerous changes. Pap smears should be done on a woman by the age of 20 or when she becomes sexually active.In June 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration approved a new vaccine, Gardasil which prevents infection against the HPV responsible for causing the majority of cervical cancers. This vaccine should be given to girls and women ages 9 to 26 and before exposure to HPV.

While cervical cancer can be treated when detected early, it can now be prevented when caused by HPV.You should see your gynecologist at least annually for Pap smears and discuss your options for preventing cervical cancer.

Cindy Paul is with Christus Cabrini Cancer Center in Alexandria.

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