Understanding Cervical Cancer

The Facts on Cervical Cancer

Factores de riesgo y estrategias para reducir su riesgo

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

Factores modificables: Las siguientes acciones son controlables y, por lo tanto, debe hacer todo lo posible para evitar la mayor cantidad posible de estas acciones. Si algo es inevitable, ¡sea consciente de sus otras acciones para ayudar a combatir el riesgo!

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

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

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

Evidence shows that smoking damages cervix cells. More specifically, smokers are twice as likely of getting cervical cancer. (5)
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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)
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Having 3 or More Full-term Pregnancies

Having 3 or more pregnancies has shown significant risk. (7)
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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)
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Factores no modificables: Lo siguiente no se puede cambiar. Sin embargo, es importante conocer estos factores para que pueda conocer sus elecciones de estilo de vida y comprender las circunstancias.

Weak Immune System

Those who have compromised immune systems are shown to be at an increased risk for cervical cancer. (9)
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Diethyl-stilbestrol (DES)

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

Those with a family history show increased risk. (11)
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Help reduce your risk for Cervical Cancer with these choices

Safe-Sex Practices

Limit possible chance of transmission to HPV
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Get the HPV Vaccine (Gardasil)

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

Cardio: 3-5 días / semana Entrenamiento de fuerza: 2 días / semana Estiramientos / Yoga: 2 días / semana (12)
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Factores dietéticos

Frutas y verduras diarias, Granos integrales diarios, Productos lácteos bajos / sin grasa diarios, Nueces 3-5 veces / semana, Té diario (especialmente verde), Limite la carne roja / procesada (13)
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Síntomas y detección temprana

Síntomas

Los primeros síntomas 

  • 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.

Detección temprana

Tasa de supervivencia a 5 años por etapa

Porcentaje diagnosticado por etapa

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

¿Quién debe ser examinado?

  • 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.

Qué esperar en una proyección

Mayo Clinic Discusses a Pap Smear

Treatments for Cervical Cancer

  • Cirugía: Removal of cancer regions of the uterus that would include the cervix
  • Quimioterapia: Medicamentos diseñados para eliminar las células cancerosas.
  • Radioterapia: Rayos de alta energía para matar las células cancerosas
  • Terapia dirigida: A common drug used is Avastin
  • Inmunoterapia: New research that leverages your immune system to attack cancer cells