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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