A Simple Test to Prevent Cervical Cancer

If you could do one thing and help prevent cancer, would you do it?
Since the late 1960s, Pap smears have been instrumental in reducing the rate of cervical cancer. And according to the MCG Gynecological Cancer Prevention Center, these annual tests remain an essential part of a woman’s checkup.

Cervical cancer can happen to any woman. But it is preventable if women receive regular screenings through Pap smears. In general, it takes several years for cervical cancer to develop. If precancerous changes are detected through regular Pap smears, these can be easily treated. Ask your doctor if he or she performs the new liquid-based Pap smears, which have a higher success rate in detecting precancerous changes in the cervix.

The majority of women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in four or five years. There are numerous reasons, one of which is that many young women feel they are not at risk for cervical cancer.

The MCG Gynecological Cancer Prevention Center advises all women to make this annual checkup a priority. In particular, certain groups of women may be at greater risk for cervical cancer. These risk factors include:

• Having many sexual partners.
• Having initial sexual intercourse at a young age. 
• Smoking. 
• Oral contraceptive use. 
• Weakened immune system. 

Signs of cervical cancer include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and post-coital pain or bleeding. But don’t wait until signs develop! Remember, early detection usually means a better prognosis.

Previously
on WAGT