7 Cervical Cancer Facts All Women Should Know

Considering contracting HPV is nearly inevitable, most women could stand to get a little wiser about cervical cancer. Even though it doesn’t get nearly as much attention as breast cancer, which the American Cancer Society (ACS) reported will affect roughly 12% of all women in the U.S., cervical cancer is still no joke. A diagnosis can have major implications for starting a family, not to mention the risk of both mortality and recurrence. Since education is the first step, arm yourself with these must-know facts.

1. Cervical cancer is one of the most deadly cancers for young women

 

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Most medical information about cervical cancer is geared toward young women, and for good reason. Though young ladies are more likely to die due to an accident of some sort, according to research published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, cancer is the second most common killer. If we look even closer, the results show cervical cancer is the second most deadly type of cancer among American women from age 20 to 39.

Bear in mind, we’re only talking several hundred. The risk of mortality among young women is significantly lower than for older women. Still, it’s a wake-up call for young females. Those who’ve been lax about scheduling appointments need to make it more of a priority. In the event of aggressive HPV, going too long without detection is risky.

2. It’s also one of the most treatable types of cancer

According to the National Institutes of Health, cervical cancer comes in at 14 for most common cancers among women in the U.S. This is a huge improvement from where it used to be. The same story reported cervical cancer used to be one of the most common causes of death among women in their childbearing years during the 1940s, but advances like the pap smear have slashed incidence and death rates by more than 60%.

It’s worth noting that cervical cancer is sort of a process. OB-GYNs like to illustrate cervical changes on a spectrum to help patients understand that abnormal cell changes can, but won’t necessarily, become cancer. The National Cancer Institute shared a diagram that helps to understand what results from an abnormal pap smear. Generally, there are two stages of irregular cell changes between normal and cancer: low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. In many cases, simply waiting and monitoring is a good course of action because abnormalities often clear up on their own. For those with high-grade changes, further testing and treatment may be more appropriate.

Even for those who do end up with a diagnosis, cervical cancer is still one of the most treatable types of cancer.The ACS reported the 5-year survival rate for cervical cancer is 93% when caught early. This means your best defense is maintaining routine screenings.

3. HPV is almost always the cause

Once something only discussed in a doctor’s office, the HPV vaccine has gotten a boost from robust advertising in the last few years. It makes sense when you consider the association with cervical cancer. The National Cervical Cancer Coalition reported 99% of all cases are caused by HPV, and two types of the virus account for 70% of those diagnoses.

One of the simplest, and most effective ways to guard against HPV is to get the vaccine. One 2014 review reported these vaccines are highly effective, with some studies indicating 100% protection against the two most harmful strains of the virus. It’s also wise to limit your number of partners as much as possible.

4. Early stages have no symptoms

It might seem like we’re hammering the point to maintain regular screenings as prescribed by your doctor, but it really is important. This is even more true when you consider early-stage cervical cancer rarely has symptoms. Healthline explained irregular discharges and vaginal bleeding could mean the cells have progressed to invasive cancer. These abnormalities don’t necessarily indicate cancer, but they’re definitely worth a visit to the doctor.

5. Smoking increases your risk

Add an increased risk of cervical cancer to the long list of reasons to steer clear of cigarettes. One review published in ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology found smoking was associated with a higher risk of cervical cancer. Though the author can’t explain exactly why this is the case, he hypothesized it has to do with a combination of cigarettes’ carcinogenic effect and ability to suppress the immune system. Smokers who contract HPV would be wise to drop the habit.

6. There are multiple types

Cervical cancer usually falls under one of two types. The first is squamous cell carcinoma, which occurs in the flat cells that line the bottom portion of the cervix. According to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, this type accounts for 80 to 90% of all cervical cancer cases. The other type is called adenocarcinoma, which begins in the glandular cells that line the top of the cervix. Left untreated, both types can spread to other parts of the body.

7. Getting pregnant after treatment is very difficult

 

 

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The most common treatment for cervical cancer is surgery. Though women in very early stages may be able to have a minimal procedure, a hysterectomy is common. Mayo Clinic highlighted the two types used to treat cervical cancer, both of which require removing the cervix and uterus. In the event of a hysterectomy, traditional pregnancy is no longer an option. If, however, the ovaries are left intact, egg retrieval to be used for a surrogate pregnancy is an option.

For those who opt for radiation or chemotherapy, there’s still no guarantee you’ll be able to bear children.Everyday Health explained some women go through menopause after treatment, so it’s important to have a conversation about fertility with your doctors early on.

Keep in mind, cervical cancer also doesn’t completely eliminate your chances of bearing children. LiveScience reported a newer type of procedure designed to preserve a fertility may be available for some women. And adoption is always an option for those who want to have a family post-treatment.

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