Early detection is a vital and important step in detecting and preventing cervical cancer. Cervical cancer develops slowly over time, but it is detectable by a Pap smear (or Pap test). More cervical cancer awareness and testing is important because this type of cancer is easily prevented. Despite being detectable, it is the second most common type of cancer for females, with more than 12,000 women in the United States diagnosed each year.
Doctors use a Pap smear to find cancer cells or cells that may become cancerous (pre-cancers) in the cervix. Women with early cancer cells or pre-cancers usually have no symptoms. Pap smears are typically part of your annual exam and they involve taking a sample of cervical tissue with a swab.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends women:
If your Pap smear results show anything suspicious, your doctor will follow up to conduct additional tests.
In most cases, the symptoms of cervical cancer do not begin until cancer becomes aggressive and spreads into the tissue. When this happens, abnormal bleeding is the most common red flag, such as:
Additional symptoms may include:
If you experience any of the preceding symptoms, it may not be due to cancer. These symptoms might also be the result of other, less serious conditions. If you notice something, schedule an appointment with your doctor to have a conversation because if it is cervical cancer, early detection is the key to prevention and survival.
There are two steps you can take to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.
If you are concerned about cervical cancer or want to schedule a Pap test, make an appointment with your primary care physician.