Cervical Cancer

When it comes to detecting cancer, knowledge is power. You’ll want to understand your family health history, your own health conditions and how your lifestyle can contribute to cervical cancer. This will help you spot any warning signs and guide the conversations you need to have with your doctor.

If any of the following risk factors apply to you, speak with your doctor about which screenings are recommended and how often you should have them.

• Age.
• Excess weight.
• History of herpes.
• Immune system deficiency.
• Personal or family history of cervical cancer.
• Smoking.
• Use of oral contraceptives.
• Your mother took the medicine DES (diethylstilbestrol) while pregnant with you.

If you notice any symptoms of cervical cancer, time is of the essence. Talk with your doctor right away, especially if you’re at higher risk.

Cervical cancer symptoms can include:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after intercourse, after menopause or between periods).
• Pain during sex.
• Pelvic pain.
• Periods that are longer or heavier than usual.
• Unusual discharge (may contain some blood).

Almost 93% of all cervical cancer cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus among sexually active people.

HPV alone doesn’t cause cervical cancer, but it may when it’s combined with other risk factors.

Most people who are exposed to HPV won’t develop symptoms — and their immune systems will likely clear the virus from their bodies in about two years. Still, certain strains of HPV cause cells of the cervix to change and become cancerous in some women.

HPV can be prevented by getting the HPV vaccine and by using a condom during sex.

Medical studies suggest that tobacco and its by-products can cause damage to the DNA of cervical cells and cause them to become cancerous. That’s why it’s important to quit smoking as a way to help prevent cervical cancer, especially if you already have a higher risk.

Find a ProMedica tobacco cessation program.

At ProMedica, we recommend regular pelvic exams, Pap tests and HPV tests to help prevent cervical cancer. General screening recommendations from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists are as follows:

• Under 21 years: no screening.
• 21 – 29 years old: Pap test every 3 years.
• 30 – 65 years old: combined Pap test and HPV test every 5 years OR Pap test every 3 years OR HPV test every 5 years.

Screening recommendations depend on your age and health history. Your health care provider can help you choose the best exam schedule for you. The doctor can also recommend any added testing or screening for you, based on your unique history and needs. Talk with your doctor about scheduling a screening.

Your recommended screenings may include:

• Pelvic exams: Typically, a pelvic exam is the first step in diagnosing gynecologic cancers. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will be able to note changes in the size or shape of your cervix.
• Pap tests: Cell changes on the cervix called precancers can become cervical cancer if they aren’t treated. A Pap test, also sometimes called a Pap smear, can help your doctor test for these cell changes.
• Colposcopy: If the results of your Pap test are abnormal, your doctor will recommend a procedure called a colposcopy. This lets your doctor examine the surface of your cervix to find any abnormal areas.
• Biopsy: If an abnormal area is seen during a colposcopy, a biopsy will be done to learn if it’s cancer.
• HPV tests: These tests let you know whether or not you have HPV, which can produce cancerous cells. It’s a good first step if you’re having symptoms.

It can feel overwhelming to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and have to navigate your treatment choices. Especially since cervical cancer treatment differs based on your cancer type and stage.

But you can count on the ProMedica Cancer Institute to help you understand your condition and guide your treatment decisions. We’re accredited and recognized as the largest cancer program in the region. That means our highly trained and credentialed medical, radiation and surgical oncologists will offer you access to:

• Clinical trials.
• Genetic testing and counseling.
• Healing care.
• Nurse navigator services.
• Medicine management counseling.
• Precision radiation therapy.
• Rehabilitation services.
• Survivorship program.

Once your doctors determine the stage and location of your cervical cancer, they will recommend a treatment plan. The plan may include one therapy or a combination of several therapies.

Chemotherapy for cervical cancer treatment, which is administered through an IV, may be given before or after surgery. It may also be provided in cases where the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.

Immunotherapy is also referred to as biotherapy. It uses your body’s own immune system to fight cervical cancer.

Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to shrink and kill cancer cells. It’s usually given after surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Surgery is used to remove the cancer, and possibly the lymph nodes and healthy tissue around the cancer. Types of surgical treatments for cervical cancer include Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP), conization and hysterectomies.