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Cervical Cancer & OPERATION WIPE OUT

Cervical cancer is a cancer of the female reproductive system. All women, regardless of race, socio-economic status, education level, place of birth, or residence, are at risk of developing cervical cancer. However, not only is cervical cancer curable when found early, it can also be prevented with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. Despite this, Alabama routinely has one of the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality - significantly worse than the United States. Women are more likely to die in Alabama from cervical cancer than most other states in the nation.

Right now, Alabama ranks fourth in the nation for incidence and deaths from cervical cancer. This is unacceptable, as cervical cancer can be eliminated. How? Three steps:

Increase HPV vaccination.
Increase cervical cancer screening: regular HPV/Pap tests.
Appropriate follow-up treatments if the screening results show abnormal cells.

For more information about how you can help eliminate cervical cancer in Alabama, visit Operation WIPE OUT Cervical Cancer.

How can cervical cancer be prevented?

The best way to prevent cervical cancer is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause over 90% of all cervical cancers as well as numerous other cancers and diseases. Routine cancer screenings can prevent cervical cancer by detecting and treating precancerous cells. The recommended screening method is a combination of the HPV test and the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. Screening involves a simple procedure where a small sample of cells is collected from the cervix and examined under a microscope. The HPV test can detect HPV infections associated with cervical cancer as well as identify individuals at risk for adenocarcinoma of the cervix. This type of cervical cancer makes up approximately 30% of cases and can be missed by the Pap test. Co-testing with both HPV and Pap tests is recommended.

Why do you need to be screened for cervical cancer?

By the age of 50, at least 4 out of 5 women will have been infected with HPV and 10% of women will develop lasting HPV infections, placing them at greater risk of developing cervical cancer. Usually, the body’s natural immune system can overcome or end the infection within 2 years. When the body cannot rid itself of the HPV infection, the cancer-causing HPV types can linger and turn normal cervical cells into abnormal and then cancerous cells. To determine if you are at risk for cervical cancer due to a lasting HPV infection, women should go to their doctor for cervical screening. It is essential to screen for and remove abnormal cells caused by HPV before they can become cancerous. Cancer screening involves taking a sample of cells to determine if HPV, precancerous cells, or cancerous cells are present.

See if you qualify for the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (ABCCEDP).

What are the signs of cervical cancer?

There may be no physical signs of cervical cancer in the early stages. This is why it is so important for a woman to get screened regularly. If the cancer is caught early or in its precancerous form, it can be removed before it spreads. Symptoms of more advanced forms of cervical cancer can include vaginal bleeding after sex, vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause, watery or bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy or have a foul odor, and pelvic pain or pain during or after intercourse.