SRHS - Oncology Information

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Cervical Cancer Information

*What is Cervical Cancer?*	*Treatment*
Before you can launch an effective battle against cervical cancer, it’s important to understand some basics. In this section, you’ll find answers that help you move forward with a solid grounding in the facts, including information about: What Cervical Cancer is Symptoms	In recent years, there's been an explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer, bringing new hope and excitement. Instead of only one or two options, today there's an overwhelming menu of treatment choices that fight the complex mix of cells in each individual cancer. The decisions—surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy—can feel overwhelming. Overview of Options What types of treatment are available and which might be appropriate for you.
*Risk Factors*	*Prevention & Detection*
The following risk factors increase the chance of developing cervical cancer: Human papillomavirus infection: The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) Certain types of sexual behavior increase a woman's risk of getting HPV: sex at an early age having many sexual partners having sex with uncircumcised males Smoking: Women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to get cervical cancer Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection: HIV is the virus that causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Because this virus damages the body's immune system, it makes women more at risk for HPV infections, which may increase the risk of cervical cancer. Chlamydia infection: Chlamydia is a common kind of bacteria that can infect the female reproductive system. It is spread by sexual contact. Some recent studies suggest that women with past or current chlamydia infection are at greater risk for cervical cancer. Oral contraceptives: There is evidence that long-term (> 5 years) oral contraceptive (OC) use increases the risk of cancer of the cervix. Multiple pregnancies: Women who have had many full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer. Low socioeconomic status Diethylstilbestrol (DES): DES is a hormonal drug that was prescribed between 1940 and 1971 for some women thought to be at increased risk for miscarriages. About one daughter out of every 1,000 women who took DES when pregnant with them, develops cancer of the vagina or cervix. Family history of cervical cancer: Recent studies suggest that women whose mother or sisters have had cervical cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.	All women should begin cervical cancer screening about 3 years after they begin having vaginal intercourse, but no later than when they are 21 years old. Screening should be done every year with the regular Pap test or every 2 years using the newer liquid-based Pap test. Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row may get screened every 2 to 3 years with either the conventional (regular) or liquid-based Pap test. Women who have certain risk factors such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth, HIV infection,or a weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy, or chronic steroid use should continue to be screened annually. Another reasonable option for women over 30 is to get screened every 3 years (but not more frequently) with either the conventional or liquid-based Pap test, plus the HPV DNA test. Women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years may choose to stop having cervical cancer screening. Women with a history of cervical cancer, DES exposure before birth, HIV infection or a weakened immune system should continue to have screening as long as they are in good health. Women who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) may also choose to stop having cervical cancer screening, unless the surgery was done as a treatment for cervical cancer or pre-cancer. Women who have had a hysterectomy without removal of the cervix should continue to follow the guidelines above. Other Prevention Information
*Additional Resources*	Classes
American Cancer Society (ACS) Phone: 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) National Cancer Institute (NCI) Phone: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)	View the many classes that Southern Regional offers on cancer.

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