5 Important Things to Know about Cervical Cancer

In recognition of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, we're partnering with Grand Valley Gynecologic Oncology to share important information about preventing and understanding cervical cancer.

Grand Valley Gynecologic Oncology's Dr. Glenn Bigsby and Dr. Katherine Croft are the only gynecologic oncology surgeons on the Western Slope. They are committed to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of gynecological cancers, and are highly skilled in the most state-of-the-art technology and techniques. This means their patients can receive the best care possible close to home.

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide, but it's also very preventable, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. In the U.S. about 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Here are some important things for you to know about this slow-developing disease:

1) Screening is vital. Doctors can screen for cervical cancer with a Pap smear, HPV test, or both. The Pap smear tests for cancerous or precancerous cells, while the HPV (human papillomavirus) test tests for a virus transmitted through sexual contact that has been known to cause cervical cancer. How often women need screening depends on age and other factors, so you should consult with your healthcare professional.

2) The HPV vaccine helps prevent cervical cancer. Most women infected with HPV do not develop cervical cancer, but HPV is the cause of more than 99 percent of cervical cancers, according to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition. HPV vaccination is recommended as a routine vaccine at age 11 or 12 and for patients up to age 26, if they weren't properly vaccinated earlier.

3) Patients have the best outcomes when cervical cancer is caught early. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year survival rate for women with localized cervical cancer is 91 percent, compared to 19 percent for those with cervical cancer that has spread to nearby organs or more distant tissue like lungs or bones.

4) Patients with very early stages of cervical cancer have treatment options that preserve fertility. Of course, each patient should discuss treatment options and priorities with their healthcare team, but the treatment options outlined by the American Cancer Society include ways that preserve fertility. It's another example of why early detection is so important.

5) Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, smoking, a weakened immune system, long-term use of birth control pills, Chlamydia infection, having at least three full-term pregnancies, and getting pregnant for the first time as a teenager. You can find a full list of risk factors on the American Cancer Society's website.

Remember, Grand Valley Gynecologic Oncology offers cutting-edge treatment close to home, as well as access to more clinical trials and collaboration with national and regional specialists thanks to a partnership with the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

Moreover, Grand Valley Gynecologic Oncology has been recognized as an American College of Surgeons Surgical Quality Partner and an ACS Commission on Cancer Accreditation. To learn more, visit the Grand Valley Gynecologic Oncology website.