Memorial Health - January 16, 2019
by Dr. Stephanie Tootle
Young woman volunteering with group

Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the cervix. Fortunately, cervical cancer can be prevented if precancerous cell changes are detected and treated early. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, so take a moment to make sure you are protecting yourself.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer. HPV can be passed from one person to another through sexual contact. In most cases, the HPV virus is harmless and causes no symptoms. In fact, many young women who become infected with HPV are able to clear the infection through their own immune systems. However, certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cervical lesions. Over time, these may develop into cancer if untreated.

The Pap test is used to detect cancerous and precancerous cervical lesions. Unfortunately, the Pap test has been associated with false negative results in some cases. In a false negative, the test indicates the Pap test is normal when, in fact, there is an abnormality. Women with abnormal results need further testing.

The HPV test can be used in conjunction with the Pap test. The test determines the presence or absence of HPV and whether or not the HPV type present is the type that is associated with cancer.

The HPV test

The HPV test is collected similar to a Pap test. A cervical brush or other collection device is inserted into the cervix to collect cells for testing. This sample is then sent to the lab for evaluation.

A negative result means that high-risk, cancer-causing types of HPV were not detected. Therefore, your risk of developing high-grade cervical disease before your next routine visit is extremely low.

A positive HPV result may mean an increased risk of developing cervical cancer if the precancerous type is present. In this case, further examination will be needed in order to determine whether your cervix shows precancerous or cancerous changes. If no changes are detected, you will be closely monitored to make sure that any changes are detected as early as possible. If precancerous changes are detected, you should know that several highly effective treatment options are available.

Screening guidelines

General recommendations for cervical cancer screening:

  • Between the ages of 21 and 65 years
  • Women older than 65 with normal testing in the past 10 years may stop screenings
  • Ages 21-29 years: get a Pap test every three years without HPV testing
  • Ages 30-65 years: get a Pap test and HPV testing every five years or a Pap test alone every three years

Each woman has individual circumstances and risk factors. Talk to your doctor about how often you should be screened for cervical cancer.

Questions to ask your doctor

To find out whether HPV testing is right for you, be sure to ask your doctor the following questions at your next visit:

  • Am I a candidate for an HPV test as part of my cervical cancer screening program?
  • Do you provide HPV testing as a follow-up to help clarify inconclusive Pap test results?
  • If I have an inconclusive Pap test result, can you ask the lab to perform an automatic HPV test from the same Pap sample?
  • Will my insurance cover the HPV test?
  • Can I talk to you about questions I have about HPV and cervical cancer?

Don't take a chance with your cervical health. Make an appointment today with your provider for an appropriate screening.

Dr. Stephanie Tootle is an OB/GYN who sees patients at Memorial Health University Physicians | Women's Care Islands. Make an appointment with her online.