Raising Cervical Cancer Awareness

Dr. Kenneth Helal
Associates in Women’s Health

Q. January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, what is cervical cancer?

A. In a woman’s body, the cervix is the part of the uterus, or womb, that connects to the vagina. Sometimes, cells in the lining of the cervix begin to grow in abnormal ways. This precancerous condition is called dysplasia, and it can go away without treatment for some women. However, dysplasia may need to be treated to keep from developing into cancer. Cervical cancer develops when abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix begin to grow out of control.  

Q. How do I determine if I am at greater risk for cervical cancer? 

A. While all women are at risk, some are at greater risk for developing cervical cancer. Factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include being infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a group of more than 100 related viruses that are spread from an infected person to his or her sex partner. HPV can cause warts on some parts of the body. Certain types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix.

Being infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, can also increase the risk for women.

Smoking has been known to stimulate body chemicals that can create cancer-causing changes in cervical cells. Woman who use tobacco products are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smoking women.

Some scientific studies suggest that plant foods may help protect against developing cancer. A low-fat diet can help women maintain a healthy weight. Being obese increases women’s risk of cervical cancer.

Family History also plays a factor in determining risk. Women whose mothers or sisters have had cervical cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.

Q. What steps can I take if I think I am at high risk?

A. The Pap test is an effective tool for the early detection of cervical cancer, and its effectiveness depends on having regular testing. A Pap test can detect pre-cancerous tissue and early cervical cancer, which can be treated more successfully. Because of the widespread use of the Pap test in the United States, incidence and mortality rates from cervical cancer have decreased.

Women should have yearly Pap tests starting three years after they become sexually active but no later than 21 years of age. At age 30, women who have had normal Pap results for three years in a row may decide with their doctors to have the test every two to three years instead. Speak with your health care professional to assess your risk and determine how frequently you need to be screened.

Women age 70 years and older who have had at least three normal Pap tests may choose to stop cervical cancer screening as advised by their health care professional. Women who have undergone a total hysterectomy with removal of the cervix for noncancerous conditions need not have Pap tests; however, pelvic examinations are still recommended.

Q. Where can I go to get screened?

A. The Cancer Center at Ball Memorial Hospital is offering a free cervical cancer screening January 25 for women who have not had a Pap test in the last year. Limited spaces are available, please call CHS Access Services at (765) 741-1073 or (800) 237-9625 to schedule your free screening.

Kenneth Helal, a physician at Associates in Women’s Health, is a member of the Ball Memorial Hospital medical staff. For more information on cervical cancer send an email to info@chsmail.org or go to accesschs.org.

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