What Is Cervical Cancer? - Joshua G. Cohen, MD | UCLA Obstetrics and Gynecology

Summary

Dr. Joshua Cohen, a gynecologic oncologist at UCLA Medical Center, discusses cervical cancer in honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month. He explains the role of the cervix, how cervical cancer develops, and the importance of preventive measures, such as the HPV vaccine. Dr. Cohen emphasizes early vaccination, regular pap smears, and awareness of symptoms like irregular bleeding and pelvic pain. He encourages individuals to take proactive steps to reduce risk, including avoiding smoking and seeking regular gynecological care. The video aims to educate on cervical cancer prevention and available resources at UCLA.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing it.
• 😀 The cervix is part of the uterus and plays a key role during childbirth by dilating to allow the baby to pass through.
• 😀 Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), with 80% of people being exposed to HPV during their lifetime.
• 😀 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States each year, a number that is considered too high.
• 😀 The HPV vaccine is a crucial preventive measure, and it is recommended for people between the ages of 11 and 12 for best protection.
• 😀 Early detection through Pap smears is an effective method for screening cervical cancer and precancerous conditions.
• 😀 There are rare types of cervical cancer not caused by HPV, so it's important to remain aware of potential symptoms.
• 😀 Symptoms of cervical cancer may include irregular bleeding, spotting during intercourse, or new pelvic pain.
• 😀 Quitting smoking or reducing exposure to tobacco smoke is an important preventive measure, as smoking is linked to cervical cancer.
• 😀 The HPV vaccine is now approved for people up to age 45, and insurance companies will start covering the vaccine for individuals in this age range.
• 😀 Regular annual visits to an OBGYN are important for discussing Pap smears, HPV tests, and any symptoms of cervical cancer, ensuring early detection and prevention.

Q & A

What is cervical cancer and how does it relate to the cervix?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The cervix plays a key role in childbirth, as it dilates to allow the baby to pass through during delivery.

What role do pap smears play in preventing cervical cancer?

Pap smears are used to detect pre-cancerous cells in the cervix, allowing for early intervention. Regular pap smears help identify abnormal changes in cervical cells before they become cancerous.

What is the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer?

The majority of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact, and most people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. Certain strains of HPV increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.

How can someone reduce their risk of cervical cancer?

Key measures to reduce the risk of cervical cancer include getting the HPV vaccine, attending regular pap smears, reducing or quitting smoking, and being aware of symptoms such as irregular bleeding or pelvic pain.

At what age should individuals receive the HPV vaccine?

The HPV vaccine is recommended for individuals between the ages of 11 and 12. It can also be given to those up to age 45, as the FDA recently approved it for this age group.

Why is smoking a risk factor for cervical cancer?

Smoking weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight off HPV infections. This increases the risk of developing cervical cancer, particularly in individuals with persistent HPV infections.

What are some symptoms of cervical cancer that women should be aware of?

Women should be aware of symptoms such as irregular bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, and new pelvic pain. These symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

What is the role of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in cervical cancer prevention?

The CDC provides guidelines on HPV vaccination and screening for cervical cancer. They recommend the HPV vaccine for individuals at age 11 or 12 and offer guidelines on when to schedule pap smears for women.

How often should women get pap smears?

The frequency of pap smears has changed over the years. While they were once recommended annually, they are now spaced out depending on certain factors such as age, health history, and results from previous tests. Women should consult their OBGYN to determine how often they need a pap smear.

Why is early detection crucial in preventing cervical cancer?

Early detection of pre-cancerous changes through pap smears can help prevent the development of cervical cancer. When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable, making regular screening an important part of cancer prevention.