By NATALIE ADSUAR, MD, MBA, FACOG
As an Obstetrician Gynecologist, I am often asked what we do other than deliver babies.
In addition to caring for female concerns like pelvic pain, contraception management and menopausal transitions, one of our greatest responsibilities is providing education and preventative care for our patients.
As adult women, most of us have visited our gynecologist and, after a conversation and update on life and our health, have undergone a test for cervical cancer screening. What is the test and why is this important?
Here are a few important facts about a cervical cancer screening.
How do we screen for cervical cancer? There are several ways to screen for cervical cancer. The traditional screening test is called a Pap test or Pap smear.
Pap test: A Pap test finds cancer cells or cells that could turn into cancer. The test can usually detect cancer in early stages, when it can be treated or even cured.
HPV testing: An HPV (human papillomavirus) test can be done along with a Pap test. HPV tests check for the strains of HPV that are the highest risk for causing cervical cancer.
If the test results are abnormal, the doctor will follow up with additional testing or evaluation.
When and how often should a woman have a Pap test? Women should have a Pap test starting at age 21.
- Women ages 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every three years.
- Women ages 30 and older can have a Pap test every three years or a Pap test and HPV test every five years.
- Women ages 65 and older should stop having Pap tests if they meet all three of the following requirements:
- They had Pap tests done regularly until they turned 65.
- They had three normal Pap tests in a row.
- They had no abnormal Pap tests in the past 10 years.
What is cervical cancer? Cervical cancer happens when normal cells in the cervix change into abnormal cells and grow out of control.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? Cervical cancer might not cause any symptoms at first. When it does create symptoms, it can cause vaginal bleeding at irregular times or after menopause. These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not cancer. But if you have vaginal bleeding at these times, make sure to call your doctor.
What if I am diagnosed with cervical cancer? Cervical cancer can be treated in different ways. These include several surgical options, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The right treatment for you will depend a lot on the stage of your cancer, your age, fertility plans and other health problems. Most women whose cervical cancer is found and treated early do very well.
Lakeland Regional Health is fortunate to have the skills and talent of Richard Boothby, MD, Gynecologic Oncologist, who sees cervical cancer patients through our Hollis Cancer Center.
Can cervical cancer be prevented? In many cases, yes. Almost all cervical cancer is caused by HPV that is spread through skin-to-skin contact and sex. Vaccines that prevent people from getting infected with HPV are now available. This vaccine is available for males and females and works best if a person receives it before he or she starts having sexual intercourse. Also, regular screening and treating abnormal cells can keep them from turning into cervical cancer.
Lakeland Regional Health recently expanded its Obstetric and Gynecological services by adding a new team of Board-certified physicians. Dr. Diana Narvaez, Dr. Beth Williams and I are thrilled to be a part of the Lakeland Regional Health family and look forward to taking care of our community. If you have any questions about cervical cancer, screening or other female health concerns, please call and make an appointment at 863.284.6860. We would be happy to care for you.
About the Author
Natalie Adsuar, MD, MBA, FACOG, is a Lakeland Regional Health Obstetrician and Gynecologist and is Director of Obstetrics and Gynecology for Lakeland Regional Health.