Cervical Cancer
About Cervical Cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was one of the most common causes of cancer death for women in America. But over the last 30 years, the cervical cancer death rate has decreased by more than 50 percent due to the increased use of the Pap test. If cervical cancer is detected early, it is one of the most successfully treated cancers. Women, take charge of your health, and talk to your doctor about screening recommendations. Early detection saves lives!
Location Just for Women
At the Breast & GYN Cancer Pavilion, a unique facility dedicated solely to treating women with breast and gynecologic cancer, Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center 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.
Screenings
WHEN TO GET SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER
All women should begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years. Usually, they do not be tested for HPV unless it is needed after an abnormal Pap test result. Women between the ages of 30 and 65 should have both a Pap test and an HPV test every 5 years. This is the preferred approach, but it is also OK to have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
Women who are at high risk for cervical cancer may need to be screened more often. They should talk with their doctor or nurse.
Source: cancer.org
RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for cervical cancer include infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV), smoking and family history. Women at high risk might include those with HIV infection, organ transplant or exposure to the drug DES. For questions about risk factors, talk with your doctor.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of cervical cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, bleeding and spotting between periods, and having (menstrual) periods that are longer or heavier than usual. Bleeding after douching or after a pelvic exam may also occur. Other symptoms may include pain during sex or an unusual discharge from the vagina. The discharge may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause.
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.
