CERVICAL CANCERS AND PAP SMEARS
In the United States, cervical cancer is the eighth most common form of cancer in women and fifth most deadly cancer in the world. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009 in the United States, over 11,270 cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed. In the same year, over 4,070 women will die from cervical cancer in the United States.
Cervical cancers tend to occur mostly in women in their midlife; most are diagnosed in women less than 50 years of age and very rarely in women who are less than 30 years of age and children. It is important to recognize that 20% of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women who are over 65 years of age.
Cervical cancers are over two times more common in Hispanic than non-Hispanics white women; it is found 50% more often in African-American women as compared to non-Hispanics white women.
The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV); a group of over 100 viruses that spread from skin-skin contact and during vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex. There is also evidence that women who smoke are two times more likely to develop cervical cancers than non-smokers. Recent evidence also suggests that due to immunocompromised status of an individual, those suffering from HIV/AIDS are more prone to get infected with HPV and therefore are at higher risk for developing cervical cancers. Other risk factors include Chlamydia infection, use of oral contraceptives, multiple pregnancies, use of diethystilbestrol, low socioeconomic status, and a family history of this disease.
In the past four decades, the morbidity and mortality from cervical cancers have continued to decline due to early detection and treatment of this disease. Most cervical cancers can be diagnosed early by Pap smears.
To learn more about cervical cancers and your risks and to schedule a Pap smear, make an appointment with a health care professional today at any of our closest LOCATIONS. We have Board-certified physicians to help you in coping with this disease.
To get more information about cervical cancers and Pap smears, please visit the websites below: