PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — January is Cervical Health Awareness, a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus and the importance of early detection. With that in mind, Northern Light AR Gould Hospital wants to share some guidance on this topic from Rachel Swartz, MD, a provider from Northern Light OB/GYN in Presque Isle.
“Cervical health includes screening for cervical cancer and some sexually transmitted infections,” says Dr. Swartz. “Women need to be aware that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today with vaccination and appropriate screening.”
HPV, the most common STI in the United States, is the cause of almost all cervical cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
“The virus can be dormant or inactive for years and then become active and cause cervical cell abnormalities. This is why Pap smears and HPV testing are recommended regularly to catch any abnormal cell changes at an early stage when treatment is very easy,” explains Dr. Swartz.
According to Dr. Swartz, women who are at average risk should start having a Pap smear at age 21 and have one every three years until age 30. At age 30 and older, a Pap smear is performed along with HPV testing. If negative, the next test is in five years for average risk women. Pap smears are no longer recommended after age 65 for average risk women who have never had a moderate to severe cervical cell anomaly.
“To lower your risk for cervical cancer, you can protect yourself from infection by using condoms,” says Dr. Swartz. “There is also a vaccine for HPV which is safe, highly effective, and helps prevent up to 99% of infections that can cause cervical cancer, along with some that cause genital warts.”
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys from ages 9 to 26 with the target ages of 11-12 so that it can be given before sexual activity that could expose them to the virus. Up to age 14, only two doses of the vaccine are needed; from ages 15-26, a three-dose series is recommended. Some women may want to consider HPV vaccination up to the age of 45 after discussing with their provider, according to Dr. Swartz.
Those who are unsure of their risk level should speak to their primary care provider to learn more about what testing schedule is right for them or to request a referral to an OB/GYN provider. Parents of children aged 9 or older should also speak to their pediatrician or provider about the HPV vaccine.
“I cannot emphasize enough the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine,” says Dr. Swartz. “We have seen a significant decrease in cervical cancer in young women because of this. I also recommend regular screenings as determined by your age and risk level.”
