Cervical Cancer

About Cervical Cancer

According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in the United States. Over the last 30 years, the death rate has decreased by more than 50 percent, thanks largely to the increased use of the Pap test. When detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers. 

At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, we are dedicated to improving survivorship and lessening the burden of cancer through prevention and early detection. As Louisiana’s leading cancer care organization, we provide comprehensive screenings, education and advanced treatment options close to home across Louisiana and Southwest Mississippi. Talk with your doctor about screening recommendations, because early detection saves lives.

For more resources, visit marybird.org/resources.

Cervical Cancer Screenings

WHEN TO GET SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER
  • Begin screening at age 21 

AGES 21-29:

  • Pap test every 3 years 
  • HPV test only if Pap results are abnormal

AGES 30-65: 

  • Pap test + HPV test every 5 years 

HIGH-RISK INDIVIDUALS: 

  • May need more frequent screening 
  • Talk with your doctor or nurse 

*Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow these guidelines. Vaccination to not protect against all forms of HPV. 

PLEASE NOTE: Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center does not offer cervical cancer screening services. Women are advised to consult their OBGYN or primary healthcare provider to discuss cervical cancer screening options and recommendations. 

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

  • Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) 
  • Smoking 
  • Family history of cervical cancer 

WOMEN AT HIGH-RISK MAY INCLUDE: 

  • Those with HIV infection 
  • Have had an organ transplant 
  • Exposure to the drug Diethylstillbestrol (DES)

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include: 

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding 
  • Bleeding after vaginal sex 
  • Bleeding after menopause 
  • Bleeding and spotting between periods 
  • Having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual 
  • Pain during sex 
  • Unusual discharge from the vagina- discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause 

Dedicated Cervical Cancer Center

At the Woman’s Cancer Pavilion, a unique facility dedicated solely to treating women with breast and gynecologic cancer, Mary Bird Perkins, Our Lady of the Lake and Woman’s Hospital are working side-by-side. With the most experienced doctors and teams, surgical procedures, breakthrough treatments and national clinical trials, we provide everything needed for your care and life beyond your diagnosis.

The Breast and GYN Cancer Pavilion

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that involve human beings in order to test new ways to prevent, detect, diagnose or treat diseases. A drug must be part of a clinical trial before the FDA will approve it to be put on the market. Oncology clinical trials are conducted in order to test new drugs or a new combination of drug treatments, new surgery and radiation therapies and new medical devices.

Every cancer center patient is evaluated for participation in a clinical trial. Those who meet the criteria to participate in clinical research receive a standard of care treatment, but with the added benefit of a trial that may enhance their outcomes.

If interested in volunteering to participate in a clinical research trial, or if you have concerns about the conduct of clinical research, please contact the Clinical Research office at (225) 215-1353, or by email at clinicalresearch@marybird.com.

Additional Support

  • American Cancer Society: The American Cancer Society website contains information on many aspects of cancer care geared toward patients and caregivers.
  • National Cancer Institute: National Cancer Institute is a federal program that is part of the National Institutes of Health. It has resources and information for patients and caregivers which is based on scientific research.
  • Source: cancer.org