What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Risk: Tips from Norman Regional OB/GYN
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When it comes to any type of cancer, understanding your risk is important. Cervical cancer poses a risk to every woman at some point throughout their lives, and Oklahoma leads the United States for cervical cancer deaths. That is why Norman Regional Health System’s team of Women’s Health providers are here to help women navigate cervical cancer testing options and provide education on potential risk factors.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, the narrow lower part of a woman’s uterus. The cervix serves as the connector from the uterus to the vagina.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cervical cancer is currently the fourth most common type of cancer in women worldwide. Cervical cancer also ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths for women. Although all women are at risk for cervical cancer, there are preventative treatment options and early-detection tests available.
Cervical cancer typically develops very slowly over time, and potential development of cervical cancer can be detected from two tests, either a human papillomavirus (HPV) test or a Pap test (also commonly referred to as a Pap smear). Both of these tests are minimally invasive and can be performed in your doctor’s office. A Pap test is performed to check for cells on the cervix that appear abnormal and have the potential to develop into cancer. A HPV test is used to detect HPV infections in the body that could lead to an increased risk of cervical cancer.
Who is at Risk for Cervical Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, the most common age range for women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer is between the ages of 35 and 44, although the average age to be diagnosed with cervical cancer is 50. Additionally, cervical cancer rarely develops in women younger than 20. It is also important to note that women up to the age of 65 should discuss testing options with their doctor to continue to monitor their risk of cervical cancer.
Regardless of a woman’s age, there are certain factors that can lead to an elevated risk for the development of cervical cancer. An important risk factor for cervical cancer is associated with infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI), caused by a group of more than 150 related viruses. Many people who have HPV don’t even know that they have it. The CDC reports that almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Other risk factors for cervical cancer can include having HIV or smoking tobacco.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer
Although HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer, the good news is there is a vaccine that is recommended by the CDC to help prevent HPV infections. The HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination for children at age 11 or 12, and is typically given in a two or three-dose schedule. It can also be given to teens and young adults ages 15 through 26 to protect against the strains of HPV that most commonly cause cervical cancer.
It is also important that women ages 21 and older are getting routine Pap smears done at their annual OB/GYN visits. “I strongly encourage people to follow-up for their preventative visits and stay established with a healthcare provider. Starting at age 21, cervical cancer screening is recommended. How often a Pap and pelvic exam needs to be repeated depends on the results and other risk factors,” said A. Mady Ohs, MD, a board certified OB/GYN at Norman Regional Care for Women – Norman.
“Many people I see are apprehensive about getting that pelvic exam. Talk to your provider about your concerns and what to expect if you’re nervous. That exam is worth it to prevent cancer," said Dr. Ohs.
“I also strongly support getting the HPV vaccine as this can decrease your risk of abnormal Pap smears and cervical cancer," said Dr. Ohs. "It can decrease your risk of HPV-related throat cancer, too. The bottom line is cervical cancer can be prevented and that’s why it is so important to follow-up.”
