Understanding Cervical Cancer

The Facts on Cervical Cancer

Risk Factors & Strategies to Reduce Your Risk

The following factors have been shown to increase your risk for Cervical Cancer

Modifiable Factors: The following actions are controllable, and therefore, you should do your best to avoid as many of these actions as possible. If something is unavoidable, be conscientious about your other actions to help combat the risk!

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV infection is the predominant risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is most commonly transmitted through sexual activity. (1)
Click Here

Unsafe Sex

Safe-sex practices, such as using condoms can help limit the chance of being infected. (2)
Click Here

Sexual Activity Early in Life

The earlier you began engaging in sexual activity, the more at risk you are due to possible exposure to HPV. (3)
Click Here

Previous or Current Chlamydia Infection

Those that have ever been diagnosed with chlamydia are at higher risk. Studies have shown that chlamydia may help HPV grow. (4)
Click Here

Smoking Tobacco

Evidence shows that smoking damages cervix cells. More specifically, smokers are twice as likely of getting cervical cancer. (5)
Click Here

Long-Term Oral Contraceptive Use

Evidence has shown that taking oral contraceptives for extended periods of time increases your risk. Stopping does reduce the risk. (6)
Click Here

Having 3 or More Full-term Pregnancies

Having 3 or more pregnancies has shown significant risk. (7)
Click Here

Younger age at First Full-Term Pregnancies

Those that had the first pregnancy before age 20 were shown to have a higher risk than those who did not get pregnant until after 25. (8)
Click Here

Non-Modifiable Factors: The following cannot be changed. However, these factors are important to know, so you can be cognizant of your lifestyle choices and understand the circumstances!

Weak Immune System

Those who have compromised immune systems are shown to be at an increased risk for cervical cancer. (9)
Click Here

Diethyl-stilbestrol (DES)

This was a drug given to women between 1938 to 1971 to prevent miscarriage. (10)
Click Here

Family History

Those with a family history show increased risk. (11)
Click Here

Help reduce your risk for Cervical Cancer with these choices

Safe-Sex Practices

Limit possible chance of transmission to HPV
Click Here

Get the HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)

Gardasil is a vaccine all individuals 9-45 can get to limit their chances of getting HPV.
Click Here

Regular Exercise

Cardio: 3-5 days/week Strength Training: 2 days/week Stretching/Yoga: 2 days/week (12)
Click Here

Dietary Factors

Daily Fruits & Veggies, Daily Whole Grains, Daily Low/Nonfat Dairy, Nuts 3-5x/Week, Daily Tea (especially green), Limit Red/Processed Meat (13)
Click Here

Symptoms & Early Detection

Symptoms

Early Symptoms 

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Unusual Discharge
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain in the pelvic region

Late-Stage Symptoms

  • Swelling of the legs
  • Problems urinating or having bowel movements
  • Blood in your urine (14)

These symptoms are not exclusive to cervical cancer. The important thing to note is whether you are experiencing persistent changes. If so, it is important to contact your doctor about your situation.

Early Detection

5-Year Survival Rate by Stage

Percent Diagnosed by Stage

There is a a very clear benefit to catching cervical cancer early; however, only 69% of eligible individuals are getting the recommended screening services.

Who Should be Screened?

  • 21-65: screenings are typically recommended between the ages of 21 and 65
  • Any individual with a Cervix: Women and transgender individuals with intact cervices should be screened. 
    • If you had a hysterectomy, you no longer need to be screened.
You should get a pap smear every 3 years between 21-65.

What to Expect at a Screening

Mayo Clinic Discusses a Pap Smear

Treatments for Cervical Cancer

  • Surgery: Removal of cancer regions of the uterus that would include the cervix
  • Chemotherapy: Drugs designed to eliminate cancer cells
  • Radiation Therapy: Beams of high-energy to kill cancer cells
  • Targeted Therapy: A common drug used is Avastin
  • Immunotherapy: New research that leverages your immune system to attack cancer cells