Women: Don't stop screening for cervical cancer

The Herald-Mail
·2 min read
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Women, how long have you been keeping track of things going on in your body? From menstruation through ovulation and pregnancy, understanding your body and what it is going through has been a priority.

Here’s a friendly reminder: Don’t put that calendar away once you’re finished having babies and even after menopause! It’s vitally important you don’t lose track of time, and continue with regular Pap tests.

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women worldwide, with approximately 471,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to Dr. Neil Rosenshein, gynecologic oncologist and medical director of the Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists.

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Cervical cancer most often occurs through infection by strains of the human papillomavirus.

“Cervical cancer is preventable and so to avoid the risk, it is important for women to have Pap tests done starting at age 21,” Rosenshein said.

A Pap and HPV testing checks for changes in your cervical cells and detects HPV infection and changes, in order to prevent cervical cancer.

“The Pap test and HPV testing also helps prevent cervical cancer by finding precancerous cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if not treated appropriately. The HPV test detects high-risk HPV infection and can be used for screening women aged 30 years old and older,” he added.

Dr. Neil Rosenshein, gynecologic oncologist and medical director of the Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists
Dr. Neil Rosenshein, gynecologic oncologist and medical director of the Meritus Gynecologic Oncology Specialists

According to Rosenshein, the highest risk for cervical cancer is not being screened by a Pap test or HPV testing. HPV vaccines prevent infection by high-risk HPV types responsible for cervical cancer.

If screenings by a Pap test and HPVA testing are not performed on a regular basis and cancer develops, the following signs may appear:

  • Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause

  • Watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor

  • Pelvic pain/pain during intercourse

“Of all gynecologic cancers, only cervical cancer has a vaccine for prevention and screening tests that can detect precancerous changes early, and that’s when treatment works best,” Rosenshein said.

Be sure to keep up with your regular screenings for cervical cancer, no matter if you’re still counting weeks between periods or if that period of life is no longer on your calendar.

For more information, visit MeritusHealth.com/WomensHealth.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Don't stop Pap tests even after menopause