News
Cervical Cancer Screening
Posted on: 12/22/2010
Did you know?
According to the American Cancer Society, over 12,200 new cases of invasive cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2010 and about one third of these cases resulted in death. It is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 50 and can be one of the most preventable types of cancer if the necessary screening measures are taken.
Are you at risk?
You could be at risk for cervical cancer if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Smoking
- Poor diet
- Family history of cervical cancer
- Oral contraceptives
- Multiple sexual partners
- Sexual activity prior to age 18
- First pregnancy prior to age 20
- History of HPV
Symptoms
Symptoms usually do not appear until the abnormal cells become cancerous and invade nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal bleeding, which may include:
- Bleeding between regular menstrual periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse, douching, or a pelvic exam (most common)
- Menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and is heavier than usual
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Increased vaginal discharge that is not blood
These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience these symptoms, see you doctor.
What can you do?
Schedule a Pap test. Because cervical pre-cancer often has no signs or symptoms, regular Pap tests can help to catch cervical cancer and other abnormalities while they are still in their early and treatable stages. Talk to your doctor about when and how often you should have Pap tests and pelvic exams done.
While regular screening is the most effective way to catch cervical cancer or abnormalities that may lead to cervical cancer, another effective approach is to reduce your risk of exposure to the HPV virus. There are currently two methods to accomplish this:
- Safe sexual practice – Limit the number of sexual partners and use condoms.
- HPV vaccines – The vaccines protect you against some types of HPV.
To schedule an appointment to get a Pap test, call our OB/GYN division at (206) 292-2200 or our internal medicine division at (206) 386-9505.
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