Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: How Essentia Health can screen and protect you

January 28, 2025  By: Anthony Matt

Doctor with arms crossed

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and provides an opportunity to highlight the disease, its prevention and the importance of early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 14,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, and more than 4,300 women will die from it.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Regular screening and vaccination against HPV can significantly reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Screening is recommended to start at the age of 21 with a simple Pap smear. If it is negative, the test is repeated every three years. At the age of 30, if Pap smears continue to be negative, testing for HPV begins. During these screenings, if something abnormal is found, we repeat the Pap smear or take a closer look with a colposcopy, which involves a Pap smear with a microscope and taking a biopsy.

At Essentia Health-Moose Lake, Essentia offers Pap smears by any of our physicians. We also do colposcopies and, if an abnormality is detected, our on-site OB/GYN can refer a patient for treatment or surgery.

One of the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine.

Administering the HPV vaccine, ideally before individuals become sexually active, significantly reduces the risk of infection. The vaccine is most effective when given to preteens, but it can also benefit older teens and young adults who have not yet been vaccinated.

By preventing HPV infections, the vaccine plays a critical role in reducing the incidence of cervical cancer, which is the fourth-most common cancer among women worldwide. Additionally, it helps prevent genital warts and other less common but serious cancers in both men and women. 

Widespread vaccination can lead to herd immunity, indirectly protecting those who are unvaccinated. This collective protection underscores the public health importance of the HPV vaccine.

“Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer,” said Dr. Ashley Brown, a family medicine physician at Essentia Health-Moose Lake. “With regular screening and HPV vaccination, we can drastically reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with this disease.”

Signs and symptoms

  • Early stage cervical cancer often presents no symptoms, making regular screening essential. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., after intercourse, between periods or after menopause).
  • Unusual vaginal discharge.
  • Pain during intercourse.
  • Pelvic pain.

Screening options

Regular screening is vital for early detection and successful treatment. The two primary screening tests are:

  • Pap test: This test detects precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix.
  • HPV test: This test identifies the presence of high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer. It is often done in conjunction with a Pap test for women aged 30 and older.

Treatment options

Treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the disease and may include:

  • Surgery: Removal of cancerous tissue, which may involve a hysterectomy in advanced cases.
  • Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Using drugs to destroy cancer cells, often used in combination with radiation therapy.
  • Targeted therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells without affecting normal cells.

    Prevention:

  • HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens (boys and girls) starting at age 9 with a two-dose series.  Giving the vaccine at age nine-11 will prevent more cancer than giving it later in adolescence.  Patients aged 15-26, will need to receive a three-dose series. 

“Regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial because they can detect precancerous changes early, allowing for timely intervention and treatment,” said Dr. Brown. “Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and can save lives.”

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