Central Florida Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles of the Villages
Several advancements in recent years are helping more women beat cervical, uterine, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers, which occur in the reproductive organs.
Each year in the United States, 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths among women, cervical cancer’s death rate has declined by more than 50 percent over the past several decades. Standard PAP test screenings and widespread acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine have drastically reduced the occurrence of cervical cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.
Cervical cancer starts when cells that line the cervix – the lower part of the uterus (womb) – begin to grow out of control. While all women are at risk, cervical cancer is diagnosed most frequently in women between the ages of 35 and 44. It rarely develops in women younger than 20.
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, a group of more than 150 viruses which can weaken the immune system and put women at high risk for infection. Other factors can increase your risk, including:
• Having first sexual intercourse at an early age
• Having many sexual partners
• Giving birth to three or more children
• Smoking cigarettes (this produces chemicals that can damage cervical cells)
• Using oral contraceptives long-term
A Silent Cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer does not usually produce symptoms. As it progresses and spreads, common symptoms may include:
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Persistent pelvic or low back pain
Since other conditions can cause these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Screenings are the best prevention
Because it can take years to develop, as it stays hidden, it is important to begin cervical cancer screening at age 21. A Pap smear can detect abnormal changes, which tend to develop gradually in cervical cells. The HPV test looks for high-risk types of HPV infection that are more likely to cause pre-cancers and cancer of the cervix. The two tests can be done alone or at the same time during a pelvic exam.
Hudson
7651 Medical Drive
Hudson, FL 34667
Hudson North
14100 Fivay Road
Suite 380
Hudson, FL 34667
Land O’ Lakes
19409 Shumard Oak Drive,
Suite 101
Land O’ Lakes, FL 34638
Trinity
9320 State Road 54
Trinity, FL 34655
Wesley Chapel
26823 Tanic Drive
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Wesley Chapel Gynecology Oncology
2391 Oak Myrtle Lane
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
Zephyrhills
38010 Medical Center Avenue
Zephyrhills, FL 33540
Ocala
1630 SE 18th Street
Building 600, Suite 602
Ocala, Florida 34471
Ocala Cancer Center
4945 SW 49th Place
Ocala, Florida 34474
For more information, visit FLCancer.com
