Cervical Cancer: What Women Should Know According to Trinity Health Gynecologic Oncologist
March 14, 2024
Categories: Cancer, Women's Health
Rebecca Liu, MD, is a Gynecologic Oncologist at Trinity Health IHA Medical Group, Gynecologic Oncology - Ann Arbor Campus. She treats patients throughout the southeast Michigan region through affiliations with Trinity Health Livonia and Trinity Health Ann Arbor hospitals. Dr. Liu recently participated in a Q&A to highlight the seriousness of cervical cancer and to emphasize the importance of screenings and regular exams for women living in the community.
Q: How common is cervical cancer?
Globally, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women and the fourth leading cause of death in women worldwide. In the United States, roughly 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed and approximately 4,000 women die each year from the disease.
Q: What are the risk factors or causes of cervical cancer?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another sexually. HPV is very common and most people are exposed at some point in their lives. There are many different types of HPV. For most people, their immune systems clear the virus, however, any condition that impacts your immune system can increase your risk of developing cancer.
Q: What are symptoms of cervical cancer?
If a woman has early-stage cervical cancer, there may be no symptoms. Early cervical cancers are usually diagnosed by a pap smear or during a routine pelvic exam.
When cervical cancer progresses, women may develop vaginal bleeding after intercourse, vaginal bleeding after menopause, vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, or develop pelvic pain.
Q: What screenings are available or what precautions should be taken for women to avoid cervical cancer?
All women should begin having pap smears when they are 21 years old years old and should have them at least every other year until the age of 30. Their gynecologists will tailor these recommendations based on any specific issues they may have.
Additionally, immunization with HPV vaccines for young women at 12 to 13 years of age is highly effective in preventing invasive cervical cancer.
Q: What tests or examinations are available to women for cervical cancer screening?
The unfortunate reality is that many women stop seeing their OB/GYN physician after having children. I highly recommend that all women remain proactive in their health and have an annual pelvic exam completed by a trained OB/GYN, even if they are beyond their childbearing years.