By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
As the world observes Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, medical professionals are emphasizing a critical message: cervical cancer is highly preventable and curable if caught early. Regular screenings and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV) are key to reducing its prevalence and impact.
“I think the most important thing and the most important message about cervical cancer is it is so preventable,” said Jodi Olson, retired manager of the Breast, Cervical, and Colon Health Program for King County Public Health.
Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix grow uncontrollably to form a tumor. Early detection is essential because the disease often progresses without symptoms.
“The problem with cervical cancer is that it doesn’t really have any symptoms until it gets fairly long, or fairly progressive,” Olson explained. “At that point it’s harder to treat, and that’s why we still have deaths related to cervical cancer.”
Dr. Linda Eckhert, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and an adjunct professor in global health at UW Medicine, echoed Olson’s concerns.
“The hard thing about cervical cancer is it doesn’t really have any symptoms until it’s typically more advanced. It rarely has symptoms,” she said.
Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a virus transmitted primarily through sexual contact. While HPV infections often clear up on their own, certain strains can persist and lead to cancer.
“The cause of cervical cancer, which young women can certainly be aware of, is human papillomavirus over 90% of the time,” Eckhert said. “HPV is a very common virus. Over 80% of adults will have HPV at some point. It is sexually transmitted, but the good news is that HPV most of the time will go away on its own. Your body will get rid of it. But there are certain types of HPV that, if they stick around and persist, can cause pre-cancer and then eventually cancer of the cervix.”
Advancements in screening tools and the development of the HPV vaccine have significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. Experts stress the importance of routine Pap smears, HPV testing, and vaccination as preventative measures.
“For years, cervical cancer was actually one of the most prolific cancers because we didn’t have a good screening tool,” Olson noted. “In the 60s, the Pap test came about, and the Pap test is a really good test for women, but they’ve got to get the test regularly. And now in the last 20 years, we also have the HPV test.”
“They’re part of the prevention category of tests, so they’re covered by qualified health plans. They’re covered by Medicaid as a preventative test. And if women get those tests on a regular basis, cervical cancer is by and large completely preventable,” Olson added.
Eckhert emphasized the dual importance of vaccination and screening.
“So, what I’d like young individuals to know is, first of all, they can prevent 90% of the infections that can lead to cancer by getting the HPV vaccine,” she said. “And secondly, that screening for pre-cancer and cancer, which is done either with Pap smears or with HPV tests or both but going for regular screening checkups and then following up is vital.”
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. Screening rates have fluctuated, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people delayed preventive care.
“In 2005, about 14% of women were overdue for cervical cancer screenings,” Olson said. “That jumped up to 23% in 2019, and during COVID, we really saw the percentage go up of delayed screenings.
“We really have to get people back into screening on a regular basis, and I think that really lies on the shoulders of providers reminding their clients, their patients to come in for regular screening. But also it’s a large part of patients getting in and having preventative screenings on a regular basis,” Olson continued. “Every three years for cervical cancer is usually the norm, but getting in and just having that test if you haven’t had one for a number of years is really important.”
Lack of knowledge and stigma around HPV and cervical cancer also contribute to gaps in care.
“One of the biggest challenges with cervical cancer is lack of knowledge about the connection with human papillomavirus and pre-cancer and cancer,” Eckhert explained. “Another is that people don’t talk about it because it’s a below-the-belt disease, and it can carry stigma.”
“But HPV is present in 80% of adults, so it really shouldn’t be stigmatized. It’s just a marker of having sex. And so I feel like once people start talking about it, asking questions, learning about it, then it’s gonna be a lot easier for people to access care and not feel at all stigmatized,” she said.
Equitable access to preventative care and fostering trust in healthcare providers are also essential to combating cervical cancer.
“Important is to make sure that people have access to health care and they want to go receive health care because they trust the provider that they have or a nurse practitioner can do those tests, or a physician of course can do those tests,” Olson said.
“There’s a variety of providers that can provide Pap and HPV testing. I think we know getting children in to have the HPV vaccine is also an important message within the larger topic of cervical cancer,” she added.
“As we take part in bringing awareness to this health issue, communities and providers must share the responsibility in providing adequate information and access to resources,” Olson concluded.
Source: Seattle Medium
