The Facts

 

About 12,800 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year. Most of these will be caught early and cure, although about a third of these cases will still result in the patient’s death. In certain groups of women, including women past the child-bearing years who do not regularly see a gynecologist, cervical cancer is more commonly found in advanced stages when sure is less likely.

 

Who is at Risk?

 

Cervical caner can affect any women who is or has been sexually active. Risk of cervical cancer is higher in women who have had multiple sexual partners or in women whose partners have had multiple partners. Older women and women without access to regular medical care are especially vulnerable if they do not have regular pap tests and gynecologic exams. Women with genital warts, women who smoke, and those infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are also at increased risk.

 

The Best Defense: Early Detection

 

Thanks to the pap test, cervical cancer has become a relatively rare cancer  in the united states. A pap test can detect changes in the cervix that can be treated before they become cancer. The pap test is also very effective in detecting cervical cancer in its early states before it has spread to other parts of the body when it is high curable.

 

The American cancer society recommends that all women who have reached the age of 18 or who have been sexually active have a pap test and pelvic exam every year. After three or more normal exams, the pap test may be performed less frequently at her doctor’s discretion.

 

 

To make an appointment call 968-4411.