Are you overdue for routine cervical screening? It’s Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which aims to raise awareness of cervical health screening (Pap test and HPV test), which can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early. This week is also an excellent time to set a reminder to schedule this important testing. If you have a cervix, Cervical Screening can save your life!
Cervical cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer affecting women. This type of cancer occurs when abnormal (cancerous) cells form on the lining of the cervix. These cells can divide and grow rapidly, and may eventually form a mass of tissue called a tumor. Routine cervical screening is the best way to detect and prevent cervical cancer.
What is Cervical Screening?
Unlike many cancers, it is possible to detect the early stages of cervical cancer with screening tests. The traditional test used for early detection of cervical cancer is the Pap test, a safe and effective way to discover cancerous cells early when it is easier to treat.
According to the CDC, 9 out of 10 cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Human Papillomavirus can cause cell changes to the lining of the cervix; these changes can lead to cancer if not found and treated.
Currently, there are three testing options, and your doctor can help you decide which is best for you.
- An HPV test only – (or human papillomavirus primary testing) checks cells for infection with high-risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer.
- Pap test (also called a Pap smear or cervical cytology). This test involves collecting a sample of cervical tissue cells, which are then examined under a microscope for signs of precancerous or cancerous mutations.
- Co-testing – The HPV/Pap co-test uses both a Pap test and an HPV test to check for high-risk HPV and changes to cervical cells.
Your River Bend Medical Associates doctor can help you choose which testing option is right for you.
Who Should Get Cervical Screening and When?
Cervical screening is for anyone with a cervix. If you are a trans man or non-binary person and have a cervix, you should get screening too. HPV testing and a simple Pap smear are powerful tools for preventing cervical cancer death. Cervical cancer often has no symptoms or may be mistaken for other gynecological issues, so regular screenings are important.
Cervical Screening for Age 21 – 29
When you turn 21 it’s time to begin your regular Pap smear. If your Pap test is normal, your doctor may say you can wait three years for the next test. Screening is not recommended for those under 21.
Cervical Screening for Age 30 – 65
Your doctor may recommend a Pap smear, HPV test, or Co-testing. If tests are negative, testing may be repeated every five years.
Cervical Screening for Ages 65 and Over
If prior testing has been normal, and you are not otherwise at high risk, it’s likely no further cervical screening is needed.
Cervical cancer is preventable when problems are detected early and treated. If you have a cervix, it’s important to schedule and keep regular cervical health appointments.
What to Expect at Your Cervical Screening
When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage it is usually easier to treat, screening tests include a Pap test and or an HPV test. The goal of a Pap smear (Pap test) is to detect cancerous or pre-cancerous changes in cervical cells. HPV testing can detect the high-risk types of HPV that are commonly found in cervical cancer and can be done on its own or simultaneously with a Pap smear (co-testing).
Screening tests for cervical cancer are usually done during a pelvic exam. During the exam, you are positioned on your back with your knees up on an exam table. Your healthcare provider uses a device called a speculum to gently open your vagina to see the cervix. A slender brush is used to collect a small sample of cells.
The sample cells are then sent to a lab for testing. Sample cells can be checked to see if they are infected with the types of human papillomavirus that can cause cancer (HPV test). The sample can also be checked for pre-cancerous or abnormal cells (Pap test). When these tests are done at the same time it is referred to as an HPV/Pap co-test.
If your test results indicate that something might not be normal, your River Bend Medical Associates healthcare provider will contact you and figure out how best to proceed. There are many reasons why a test results might not be normal; it does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It’s important to follow up with your doctor right away to learn more about your results and receive any treatment that may be needed.
Almost 13,000 people are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable types of cancer. By getting regular cervical screening tests, cervical cancer can often be detected early, and sometimes even prevented.
If it’s time for you to schedule your routine cervical screening or if you have cervical health concerns, contact River Bend Medical Associates for an appointment with one of our sensitive and knowledgeable medical providers. At our Sacramento area medical practice, we strive to create an environment where our patients feel welcome and assured that they, and their families, will receive compassionate healthcare. Our progressive, sensitive, and culturally diverse team is committed to delivering quality health care and promoting the well-being of our patients. As part of your medical team, we are here to provide you with the best care in all aspects of your healthcare needs. For more information on our medical practice or to make an appointment contact River Bend Medical Associates, or call 916-392-4000.
