January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness of cervical cancer, encouraging regular screenings like Pap smears, and promoting prevention methods like HPV vaccination.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world and is the third most common gynecologic cancer in the United States. It is most frequently diagnosed in women ages 35-45 but can be found earlier or later in life. The most common symptoms include bleeding between menstrual cycles, bleeding after menopause, bleeding with sex, pain with sex, or unexplained pelvic pain.
Screening for cervical cancer includes a Pap smear, often with HPV testing. Abnormal tests require additional workup. If cancer is found, treatment depends on the stage of the cervical tumor. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be used. At Pacific Cancer Institute, we treat gynecologic cancers, including cervical cancer, painlessly and non-invasively with radiation therapy. We use external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) to deliver high-energy X-rays to cancer cells, damaging their ability to multiply. Treatments only take about 15 to 30 minutes and side effects are usually minimal.
Cervical cancer is preventable. Over 95% of cervical cancers are related to HPV infections and are largely preventable with HPV vaccination. If you or a family member have not yet been vaccinated for HPV, talk with your doctor about the possibility of vaccination to reduce the risk of cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer, or want to know more about treating cervical cancer with radiation therapy, contact our center today.