Consider this a public cervix announcement.
The American Cancer Society recently made a dire prediction — nearly 13,400 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year and about 4,300 women will die from the disease.
Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted infection in the US.
At least 13 million new HPV cases are logged each year — there are more than 200 strains of the virus. Some people catch HPV and do not have symptoms, while others develop genital warts, oropharyngeal cancer, cervical cancer or other conditions.
January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month — and Dr. Fidel A. Valea is sharing three warning signs that may spell trouble.
“[These] symptoms should never be ignored and deserve to be evaluated,” Valea, system chief of gynecologic oncology at Northwell Health, told The Post.
Irregular bleeding
“Irregular bleeding is common and does not necessarily imply that the woman has cancer,” Valea said. “However, it is a common symptom of cancer.”
He said bleeding after sex or menopause is particularly worrisome.
Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between 35 and 44, but women of any age can get it.
Make sure to see a doctor if you have irregular bleeding that lasts for more than a few months — no matter the amount.
Pelvic pain
“Similar to bleeding, pain does not imply cancer but it is a common symptom of women with [gynecological] cancers in general,” Valea noted. “It may be constant or intermittent. If it persists for a few months it should be evaluated.”
Abnormal discharge
“Discharge is usually foul smelling — it can be light or heavy and can even be bloody,” Valea shared. “The odor and/or the need to wear a pad are important symptoms to evaluate.”
How to lower your risk of cervical cancer
- Consider getting vaccinated against HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests starting shots at 11 or 12 or as early as 9. Adults up to 45 can get inoculated.
- Take a pap or HPV test. The five-year survival rate is 91% when cervical cancer is detected early.
“The pap test used to screen for cervical cancer is one of the most effective cancer prevention tools in medicine,” Valea said. “All countries, like the US, [that] employ mass screening have seen a decrease in cervical cancer incidence and mortality.” - Quit smoking. Smoking tobacco significantly increases cervical cancer risk.
- Practice safer sex. Consistent condom use can lower HPV risk.
