Aspirus Health Shares Important Tips in Cervical Cancer Prevention
1/16/2024
Natalie Weeks, MD, Family Medicine Resident Physician, Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine
January is Cervical
Cancer Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight the significance
of screenings and preventive measures in combating this potentially
life-threatening disease. Natalie Weeks, MD, a Family Medicine Resident
Physician at Aspirus Wausau Family Medicine, emphasizes that cervical cancer
screenings play a vital role in saving lives, aiming to prevent cancer.
“Cervical cancer
screening involves testing the cytology, or the cell types, of the cervix. The
goal is to catch the cells before they turn into cancer, in the precancerous
stage,” says Dr. Weeks. “Cervical cancer is asymptomatic until it's fairly
progressed. So, if we can catch it earlier, it's easier to treat.”
Cervical cancer
screenings should begin at age 21, with the following frequency recommendations
based on age:
- Age 21-29:
screenings every three years without human papillomavirus (HPV) testing
- Age 30-65:
screenings every five years with HPV testing
Early detection is
crucial, but prevention remains a key focus for primary care clinicians.
Dr. Weeks
underscores the effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, stating, "You can
prevent over 90 percent of cervical cancer by getting the HPV vaccine.”
Since HPV can be
spread through sexual contact, she advises, “the goal is to get vaccinated
before coming in contact with HPV, so sooner in life is better than later. We
recommend it for both boys and girls, starting at the age of 11 and 12,
although you can get it as early as nine and as late as 45.”
The vaccine's impact
extends beyond cervical cancer prevention. According to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV causes 70 percent of head and neck cancers in
both men and women, making it essential for both genders to receive the vaccine.
Individual cancer
prevention recommendations may vary based on health histories and risk factors.
Therefore, regular communication with your healthcare provider is crucial for
determining the best course of action for your well-being.
Both primary care
clinicians and OB/GYNs can administer pap smears and cervical screenings. To
find someone in your area, visit https://www.aspirus.org/find-a-provider.
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