A leading, regional provider of health care for women, FCMG this month joins others across the U.S. in drawing attention to the importance of cervical health.

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is a cancer that starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It develops slowly over time, usually through changes in cervical cells called dysplasia before progressing to cancer. While anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer, it primarily affects:

• Women over 30: The incidence increases with age, peaking around age 50.
• People with HPV: Persistent infection with certain high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer. Nearly all cases (around 99%) are linked to HPV.
• Other risk factors: Smoking, HIV infection, a weakened immune system, and having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk.

CAN CERVICAL CANCER BE PREVENTED?
The simple answer is yes! There are simple steps one can take to prevent cervical cancer.

• Vaccinate early: The HPV vaccine has been around since 2006. In that time, rates of cervical cancer incidence have dropped significantly among vaccinated women. One study from Sweden looked at 11 years (2006 through 2017) and found 90% reduction in cervical cancer incidence compared with the incidence in women who had not been vaccinated. (In other words, vaccination prevents cancer!) It is recommended that girls and boys be vaccinated at age 11-12. The vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years, but women and men can be vaccinated through age 45. Learn more here or watch this video.*
• Screen regularly: The goal of cervical cancer screening -- Pap tests and HPV tests -- is to find problems, like cell changes, so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. But sorting through the different types of screening options and the different recommendations can be confusing. What types of options are available? When should screening start? Do you need a Pap test, an HPV test, or both? And how often do you need to be screened? Broadly speaking, women should start with a Pap test at age 21 and should be co-tested with a Pap and an HP test starting at age 30. Consult with your FCMG provider to confirm that this regimine is right for you. Also, watch this helpful video for additional information and context.*

* The information and resources included above originated from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?

In addition to consulting with your FCMG care provider, additional resources include:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)