Cervical cancer often offers no symptoms, so be tested yearly By: CONNIE KRISMAN For the North County Times

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina. Before doctors started using the Pap test in the 1950s, cervical cancer was the leading cause of cancer death in women. In the United States, the Pap test saves the lives of 70 percent of the women who might have died from cervical cancer without the test.

January 5, 2008

Every year, about 10,500 women in the United States get cervical cancer and about 3,900 women die from it. In other countries, cervical cancer affects approximately 500,000 women each year. In some parts of the world, it is still the most common cancer in women.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus, and most people with HPV never even know they have it. There are two types of HPV: low risk and high risk. Some low-risk HPV infections can cause genital warts. Sometimes, the high-risk type may cause abnormal, or pre-cancerous, cells to form. If these abnormal cells are not found and treated, they may become cancerous. The screening options, which include liquid-based Pap tests and the test for high-risk HPV, are important developments for women and their health care providers.

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first vaccine that protects against at least four strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). These four strains of HPV cause 70 percent of cervical cancer in the U.S. and 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine, called Gardasil, is given in three separate doses over six months and is extremely effective. It works best when given before the onset of sexual activity.

The Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended that the vaccine be given to all girls aged 11 to 12. The vaccine is approved for girls as young as 9 and women up to age 26. The American Cancer Society recommends that 13- to 18-year-olds catch up by completing the series of shots and receiving missed vaccines. Women ages 19 to 26 should talk to their doctor about whether or not to be vaccinated.

Cervical cancer or early cervical pre-cancers often have no signs or symptoms. That's why it's important to get Pap tests regularly. If you have any of these symptoms, call your health care provider right away:

• Any unusual discharge from the vagina
• Blood spots or light bleeding when you're not having your period
• Bleeding or pain during sex

The single most important thing a woman can do is to participate in a regular screening program. Most cervical cancer is preventable, but early detection of abnormal cell changes is important. Cervical cancer is rare and can almost always be prevented through regular screening and treatment of pre-cancerous changes. Women should have yearly Pap screenings.

Connie Krisman is corporate compliance analyst/program manager IV for the Vista Community Clinic.

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