Cervical Cancer Progress
Posted by: Dr. Marcia Bowling
We are making great progress in reducing the incidents of cervical cancer: first with the introduction of the Pap test in 1955, and now with the development of the vaccine that fights the virus causing cervical cancer. Progress in managing its treatment also has helped reduce the mortality rate for cervical cancer.
Despite these advancements, the American Cancer Society predicted that approximately 12,710 women would be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2011. It’s a number we believe is still too high. To make further progress in reducing its prevalence, these findings should be remembered:
- There is no inherited link to cervical cancer. All risk factors are associated with sexual activity.
- Most medical authorities recommend the vaccine that protects against the human papilloma virus (HPV) be administered to young women – since it’s most effective between the ages of 11 and 26.
- Not all forms of the virus lead to cervical cancer and in most incidents, the HPV virus goes away without medical intervention.
- In many cases there are no outward symptoms of cervical cancer. This underscores the importance of following a Pap test schedule developed in consultation with a physician.
- Many of the new cancer treatments specifically target the cancerous or precancerous cells, causing minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
- New research shows promising results for vaccines that destroy the virus and infection before it becomes cancerous.
- Early detection remains one of the most effective means of treating cancerous and precancerous cells.
- Updated guidelines no longer require annual testing. The schedule of tests depends on age, previous test results and sexual activity.
One of the most important weapons in the war against cervical cancer is a conversation with your doctor. Each individual and each Pap test result is unique, making it difficult for a patient to draw general conclusions. As health care professionals we use statistics to paint a broad stroke portrait of cancer. However, those numbers are no substitute for a conversation between a patient and her doctor about the best course of action that will lead to a healthy, productive life.