Cervical Cancer - Frequently Asked Questions... And The Answers

Dear Women Over 40, cervical cancer rates have actually decreased significantly since 1952 according to the American Cancer Society. Why? Because more women of all ages are getting that humiliating and uncomfortable Pap Test! It is also called early detection.

Further, the American Cancer Society states that this type of cancer tends to occur in midlife. Half of women diagnosed with this cancer are between the ages of 35 and 55. It rarely occurs in women younger than 20.

Although it does affect young women, many older women do not realize that the risk of developing cervical cancer is still present as they age. Slightly over 20% of women with this disease are diagnosed when they are over 65.

It is important for older women to continue having regular Pap tests at least until age 70, and possibly longer. Spread the word please. Perhaps you know someone in this age range of risk.

This article is written in four parts – all in question and answer format. This allows you the option to quickly scan frequently asked questions (FAQ) and read only the information of interest to you. Click the link for the answer.

Let's go to the questions:

• What is cervical cancer?

• How does it happen?

• What are the symptoms?

• How is it diagnosed?

• How is it treated?

• How long will the effects last?

• How can I take care of myself?

• How can I help prevent this cancer?

The abnormal growth of cells is called a tumor. It may be cancer (malignant) or not (benign, pronounced be’nine).

CIN (Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) is also an abnormal growth of cells on the cervix. CIN is not cancer, but it can become cancer of the cervix if it is not treated.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. Most often, it develops in women aged 40 or older.

Back to FAQ.

How does it happen?

At this time the exact cause is unknown. What we do know is that women with certain risk factors may be more likely than others to have cervical cancer. (A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.)

The major risk factor is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) which infects the genital area and other types of HPV that cause genital warts. (sexually transmitted wart: a wart of the genital or anal area caused by a sexually transmitted virus). Other HPV-related factors which can develop into cancer if not treated:

• Do you get your regular Pap tests which look for HPV or abnormal, pre-cancer cells in the cervix? (click on the link at the end of this article for a complete description of Pap Tests)
• Do you have more than one sex partner or have a partner who has had many other partners? (because this increases your risk of HPV infection)
• Do you smoke?
• Do you have a weakened immune system? Because you are taking immunosuppressive drugs, or you have AIDS? (the immune system in your body helps fight disease)

The cells in the cervix start to change before they become cancer. Early detection and treatment of pre-cancer cells can prevent them from becoming cancer. Without treatment the abnormal cells can become cancer and spread to other parts of your body. Early detection means “get your regular pap tests”.

Back to cervical cancer FAQ.
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