FORT SILL, Okla., Jan. 26, 2017 -- January is cervical cancer awareness month. Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer in women with 500,000 new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. Most of these cases occur in developing countries, but in the United States, the number of new cases is 12,000 annually.
Screening is done by the Papanicolaou (Pap) test and, sometimes, a human papillomavirus (HPV) test is performed depending on age and risk factors. In most cases of cervical cancer, there was no history of Pap testing or cervical cancer screening.
Lisa Stout, a nurse practitioner and midwife at the Reynolds Army Health Clinic (RAHC) Women's Health Clinic, explained the importance of Pap testing and cervical cancer screening.
"Scientists have found that the human papilloma virus, or HPV, is in 99 percent of all cervical cancers," she said. "There are over 150 different types of HPV. Most are low risk that do not cause cervical cancer, but may cause genital warts and abnormal pap smears. High risk types can cause abnormal cells on the cervix or cancerous cells."
Stout said HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact and the highest risk types of HPV are Types 16 and 18 which cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers.
"The key is early detection," continued Stout. "When cancerous or precancerous cells are found early, cervical cancer is more likely to be treatable."
Along with HPV, other risk factors for cervical cancer are: those who smoke or have smoked, women who have had multiple sex partners or take on new partners, as well as those with a history of being immunosuppressed, taking immunosuppressant medication, early onset of sexual activity, and taking birth control pills for several years while having HPV.
Steps women can take to prevent cervical cancer begin with routine Pap screenings. They should also stop smoking, get the HPV vaccine, use condoms, and practice monogamy.
The HPV vaccine commonly known as Gardasil is highly recommended for girls ages of 11-12, although the vaccine may be administered to individuals ages 9-26. The vaccine is a series of two or three injections, depending on the individual's age. It is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American College of Gynecologists. Ideally it should be given before the first sexual encounter. Gardasil 9 protects against nine types of HPV to include the two highest risk types.
American College of Gynecologists, the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and the United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend screening for cervical cancer should occur for women: ages 21-29 with a Pap smear every three years; and ages 30-64 years with a Pap smear and HPV testing every three to five years.
Screenings should also occur for women ages 65 years and older with a previous histories of: abnormal Pap smears, smoking or who still smoke, HPV, or new sex partners.
Women who had a hysterectomy or are over age 65 should speak with their health care providers about screening. These guidelines are subject to change based on a person's age, Pap smear results, and previous history and HPV testing.
"Whether you fall into the category for screening every three or every five years, you still need to see your provider every year for a well-woman exam that includes a breast and pelvic exam," Stout said. "No referral is needed to make your annual exam appointment at RAHC's Women's Health Clinic for a Pap smear, sexually transmitted disease testing, or birth control options."
Call 580-558-2000 (option-1, option- 5) to schedule a well-woman exam today, or make an appointment using TRICARE Online.
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