Page 11 - CCC Winter Newsletter.indd

• Giving birth at a very young age - Women who gave birth before the age of 17 are significantly more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women who had their first baby when they were aged 25 or over.
• SeveralPregnancies–Womenwhohavehad at least three children in separate pregnancies are more likely to develop cervical cancer compared to women who never had children
• Oral Contraception (OC) – Long-term (more than five years) use of oral contraceptive increases the risk of cancer, but the risk goes back down after the OCs are stopped after ten years.
Is cervical cancer preventable?
Yes, there are a number of measures that can be taken to reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers can be prevented
by getting cervical screening, not smoking and receive the HPV vaccine before any sexual contact. You can also avoid HPV, which makes you more likely to get cervical cancer, by limiting your number of sexual partners and by continuously practicing safe, protected sex.
What are common symptoms of
cervical cancer?
In its earliest stages, cervical cancer usually does not have symptoms. This is why regular Pap tests are so important.
When cervical cancer does have symptoms, they may include:
• Bleedingaftersexualintercourse,
• Bloodyvaginaldischarge,andpainduring
intercourse
• Urinatingmoreoften,
• Post-menopausalbleeding,
• Unusualand/orunpleasantvaginaldischarge
• Lowerbackpain
These symptoms do not always mean you have
cervical cancer. However, it’s important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor since they may signal other health problems.
How is cervical cancer diagnosed?
Cervical screening is not a diagnostic test for cancer; it is most commonly known as a “Pap Test”. It is designed to identify abnormal cells that may one day lead to cancer. 1 in 14 women over 25 years of age, and 1 in 3 under the age of 25, have ‘abnormal’ pap smears.
To determine if there is indeed an abnormality, women will then have to have further tests which might involve a large biopsy of the cervix potentially leading to cervical incompetence. A lot of women under 25 would have to undergo these procedures to detect one with true abnormalities. If you have symptoms or Pap test results that suggest precancerous cells or cervical cancer, your doctor may recommend getting a colposcopy or biopsy.
Liquid-based Pap tests are recommended every three years for women ages 21 to 29. Women ages 30 to 65 should get a liquid-based Pap test every three years or Pap and HPV testing every 5 years. Women who are high risk for cervical cancer should be screened more often. Women age
65 and older or who have had a hysterectomy should talk to their doctor about whether they need to continue with cervical cancer screening. Always consult your physician to determine the right screening for you.
If you can’t afford a Pap test, there may be places in your community where you can get one for free or at a reduced cost. For information on where to get a free or low-cost Pap test, call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER. For local assistance contact
the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program toll free 1-877-255-7070.