Cervical cancer can impact women of all ages.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by infection of human papillomavirus, otherwise known as HPV. Some strains of HPV cause cell changes on a woman’s cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer 10 or 15 years down the road, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women. In Stutsman County, cancer is the leading cause of death in men and women, ages 45-84.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Ages 21, 30 and 65 are essential milestones in a woman’s life. At 21 years-of-age, women first receive their Pap test. If results come back normal, a woman will continue to receive pap tests every three years until she turns 30. Happy birthday and welcome to ‘co-testing’. When a woman turns 30 years old, she continues pap tests and HPV testing every five years, if results appear normal. Women continue co-testing until 65 years-of-age when they can forgo testing if they choose.

If you or someone you love is behind on cervical screenings, here are four reasons to schedule an appointment.

  1. HPV can be sneaky. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend women receive pap tests once they turn 21. Women may not always feel symptoms if they have been infected with HPV. HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer. In addition to HPV, smoking, chlamydia infection, overweight and family history are all cervical cancer risk factors.
  2. Opportunity to talk. During a Pap test, patients may discuss symptoms and questions with their gynecologist. A woman might not otherwise bring up these sometimes private and sensitive questions.
  3. Slight discomfort, positive results. Pap tests and HPV tests may cause discomfort, but they can flag early signs of cervical changes. If detected early, the chances of successful treatment are high. 45 minutes of embarrassment is better than four to five years of cancer treatment. Momentary discomfort can be lifesaving.
  4. Preventative medicine. Pap and HPV tests are preventative procedures. A small brush is used during a Pap test to collect cervical cells. The cells are sent to pathology to detect any abnormal cells. Abnormal cells, if left untreated, may develop into cancer and early treatment is most effective. If the results are abnormal, the provider will discuss treatment plans.

 “I know it is scary to be told you have abnormal test results. However, I challenge you to feel empowered by taking action and control of your health by seeking treatment,” shared Dr. Bailey Runkles, JRMC gynecologist & obstetrician.

Women might not display symptoms if they have abnormal cells. However, if symptoms occur, a gynecologist might recommend diagnostic testing. Treatment options then may include the following:

  • Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This procedure emits an electrical current that passes through a thin wire loop to act as a knife in order to remove tissue.
  • Cryotherapy destroys abnormal tissue by freezing it.
  • Laser therapy uses a small beam of light to remove any abnormal cells.
  • Conization removes cone-shaped tissue with a knife, laser or the LEEP procedure.

If you or a loved one is past the recommended timeframe between screenings, count on the JRMC gynecology & obstetrics team. Schedule direct: (701) 952-4878.

 

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