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Cervical Cancer American Cancer Society Georgia Department of Human Resources The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service Cervical Cancer Woman’s Reproductive System The reproductive system consist of: Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Uterus Cervix Vagina What Is Cervical Cancer? It is the growth of cancerous cells in or around the cervix. This type of cancer is one of the few that can be easily detected before it spreads. What Is Dysplasia? It is the abnormal change of the cells in the cervix. Dysplasia precedes cervical cancer. Cancerous lesions develop faster in some persons and slower in others. That is why it is very important to have regular Pap tests. Who Is More At Risk Of Developing Cervical Cancer? In addition to being a woman, age and race, you are more at risk if: Had sex before you were Have had sexual 18 years of age transmitted diseases, like Have had many sexual Human Papiloma virus, partners, or having sex herpes, or HIV/AIDS with men who have had Cannot afford a Pap test many partners. Cigarette smoking Have had an abnormal A diet that is low in fruits Pap smear in the past and vegetables Cervical Cancer And The Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. This virus infects normal cells and change them. It is the risk factor most commonly associated with cervical cancer. However, scientists believe that there are additional factors that cause cervical cancer. What Are The Symptoms? Menstrual bleeding last longer and is heavier than usual Increased vaginal discharge Cervical cancer in its earlier stages does not present any symptoms Pain or bleeding when having intercourse Bleeding between regular menstrual periods What You Should Do To Prevent Cervical Cancer? Delay sex until adulthood Know your sexual partner Avoid having multiple sex partners Use condoms when having sex Eat more fruits and vegetables Stop smoking Have regular Pap tests! Cervical Cancer Detection A good prevention plan includes: 1. Pap Test (Following the American Cancer Society guidelines for screening) 2. Pelvic Exam 1. What is the Pap Test? It is a test to detect cancerous cells in or around the cervix. A health professional collects cells from the cervix, places them on a glass slide and send it to the laboratory to be checked for abnormal changes. Most precancerous conditions are detected by this test and treated before cancer develops. What Should I Do Before I Go To Have The Pap Test? Make your appointment when you are not menstruating Two days before the Pap do not use vaginal douches, have intercourse, or use spermicidal foams/vaginal medicines. Why Do I Have To Have A Pap Test? The majority of precancerous conditions are detected by this test and can be treated before cancer develops. Usually cervical cancer does not have any symptoms until it is too late for treatment. But having regular pap test can prevent this. Normal Cervix Cervix with dysplasia How Often Should I Have A Pap Test? The American Cancer Society recommends: All women should begin screening about 3 years after they begin having sex, but not later than when they are 21 years old. Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal results in a row may get the test every 2-3 years. How Often Should I Have A Pap Test? The American Cancer Society recommends: Women 70 tears of age or older who have had 3 or more normal test results in a row (and no abnormal test in the last 10 years) may not need to continue having the Pap test. Women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for reasons other than having cancer or a precancerous lesion may not need to continue having Pap tests. Frequent Questions About The Pap Test? What happens if my pap smear shows abnormal cells? If my uterus have been removed (Hysterectomy), do I need Pap tests? If I am menopausal, do I need Pap tests? 2. Pelvic Exam To examine your internal reproductive organs, the health professional does a pelvic exam by introducing two fingers into the vagina to examine your uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes and rectum. All women 18 years of age or older should have a pelvic exam yearly. Deep and slow breathing will help you relax during the pelvic exam. Diagnostic Tests Colposcopy and Schiller test Biopsy – Loop Electrosurgical Excision (LEEP) – Endocervical curettage (ECC) – Conization (Cone biopsy) Treatment Options Precancerous Conditions: – Cryosurgery – Electrocoagulation – Laser surgery – LEEP – Conization Cervical Cancer: – Surgery – Radiation – Chemotherapy – Biological Therapy Cervical Cancer Treatments Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Cervical Cancer in USA One out of 125 American women will develop cervical cancer in her lifetime Cervical Cancer Facts in Georgia Cervical cancer is the eigth most common cause of cancer Every year are over 430 new cases diagnosed Every year over 130 Georgia women died of this disease _________________________________________________________ Sources: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, 2003 Cervical Cancer in Georgia Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates by Race, US (1996-2000) and GA (1999-2000; 1997-2001) Rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population. Cervical Cancer in Georgia Georgia Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality by Age Group Rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population. ACS Nutrition Guidelines Eat a variety of healthful foods, with an emphasis on plant sources. Adopt a physically active lifestyle. Maintain a healthful weight throughout life. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumptions. For more information 1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org