Cervical Cancer American Cancer Society Georgia Department of Human Resources The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service

Cervical Cancer

Woman’s Reproductive System The reproductive system consist of: The reproductive system consist of: Ovaries Ovaries Fallopian Tubes Fallopian Tubes Uterus Uterus Cervix Cervix Vagina Vagina

What Is Cervical Cancer? It is the growth of cancerous cells in or around the cervix. It is the growth of cancerous cells in or around the cervix. This type of cancer is one of the few that can be easily detected before it spreads. This type of cancer is one of the few that can be easily detected before it spreads.

What Is Dysplasia? It is the abnormal change of the cells in the cervix. Dysplasia precedes cervical cancer. Cancerous lesions develop faster in some persons and slower in others. That is why it is very important to have regular Pap tests. It is the abnormal change of the cells in the cervix. Dysplasia precedes cervical cancer. Cancerous lesions develop faster in some persons and slower in others. That is why it is very important to have regular Pap tests.

Who Is More At Risk Of Developing Cervical Cancer? Had sex before you were 18 years of age Had sex before you were 18 years of age Have had many sexual partners, or having sex with men who have had many partners. Have had many sexual partners, or having sex with men who have had many partners. Have had an abnormal Pap smear in the past Have had an abnormal Pap smear in the past Have had sexual transmitted diseases, like Human Papiloma virus, herpes, or HIV/AIDS Have had sexual transmitted diseases, like Human Papiloma virus, herpes, or HIV/AIDS Cannot afford a Pap test Cannot afford a Pap test Cigarette smoking Cigarette smoking A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables A diet that is low in fruits and vegetables In addition to being a woman, age and race, you are more at risk if:

Cervical Cancer And The Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) HPV is. This virus infects normal cells and change them. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease. This virus infects normal cells and change them. It is the risk factor most commonly associated with cervical cancer. It is the risk factor most commonly associated with cervical cancer. However, scientists believe that there are additional factors that cause cervical cancer. However, scientists believe that there are additional factors that cause cervical cancer.

What Are The Symptoms? Menstrual bleeding last longer and is heavier than usual Increased vaginal discharge Cervical cancer in its earlier stages does not present any symptoms Pain or bleeding when having intercourse Bleeding between regular menstrual periods

What You Should Do To Prevent Cervical Cancer? Delay sex until adulthood Delay sex until adulthood Know your sexual partner Know your sexual partner Avoid having multiple sex partners Avoid having multiple sex partners Use condoms when having sex Use condoms when having sex Eat more fruits and vegetables Eat more fruits and vegetables Stop smoking Stop smoking Have regular Pap tests!

Cervical Cancer Detection ( Following the American Cancer Society guidelines for screening) 1. Pap Test ( Following the American Cancer Society guidelines for screening) 2. Pelvic Exam A good prevention plan includes:

1.What is the Pap Test? It is a test to detect cancerous cells in or around the cervix. A health professional collects cells from the cervix, places them on a glass slide and send it to the laboratory to be checked for abnormal changes. It is a test to detect cancerous cells in or around the cervix. A health professional collects cells from the cervix, places them on a glass slide and send it to the laboratory to be checked for abnormal changes. Most precancerous conditions are detected by this test and treated before cancer develops. Most precancerous conditions are detected by this test and treated before cancer develops.

What Should I Do Before I Go To Have The Pap Test? Make your appointment when you are not menstruating Make your appointment when you are not menstruating Two days before the Pap do not use vaginal douches, have intercourse, or use spermicidal foams/vaginal medicines. Two days before the Pap do not use vaginal douches, have intercourse, or use spermicidal foams/vaginal medicines.

Why Do I Have To Have A Pap Test? The majority of precancerous conditions are detected by this test and can be treated before cancer develops. The majority of precancerous conditions are detected by this test and can be treated before cancer develops. Usually cervical cancer does not have any symptoms until it is too late for treatment. But having regular pap test can prevent this. Usually cervical cancer does not have any symptoms until it is too late for treatment. But having regular pap test can prevent this. Normal Cervix Cervix with dysplasia

How Often Should I Have A Pap Test? All women should begin screening about 3 years after they begin having sex, than when they are 21 years old. All women should begin screening about 3 years after they begin having sex, but not later than when they are 21 years old. Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal results in a row may get the test every 2-3 years. Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal results in a row may get the test every 2-3 years. The American Cancer Society recommends:

Women 70 tears of age or older who have had 3 or more normal test results in a row (and no abnormal test in the last 10 years) may not need to continue having the Pap test. Women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for reasons other than having cancer or a precancerous lesion may not need to continue having Pap tests. How Often Should I Have A Pap Test? The American Cancer Society recommends:

Frequent Questions About The Pap Test? What happens if my pap smear shows abnormal cells? What happens if my pap smear shows abnormal cells? If my uterus have been removed (Hysterectomy), do I need Pap tests? If my uterus have been removed (Hysterectomy), do I need Pap tests? If I am menopausal, do I need Pap tests? If I am menopausal, do I need Pap tests?

2. Pelvic Exam To examine your internal reproductive organs, the health professional does a pelvic exam by introducing two fingers into the vagina to examine your uterus, ovaries, Fallopian tubes and rectum. All women 18 years of age or older should have a pelvic exam yearly. Deep and slow breathing will help you relax during the pelvic exam.

Diagnostic Tests Colposcopy and Schiller test Colposcopy and Schiller test Biopsy Biopsy –Loop Electrosurgical Excision (LEEP) –Endocervical curettage (ECC) –Conization (Cone biopsy)

Treatment Options Precancerous Conditions: –Cryosurgery –Electrocoagulation –Laser surgery –LEEP –Conization Cervical Cancer: –Surgery –Radiation –Chemotherapy –Biological Therapy

Cervical Cancer Treatments Surgery Surgery Radiation therapy Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Chemotherapy

Cervical Cancer in USA One out of 125 American women will develop cervical cancer in her lifetime

Cervical Cancer Facts in Georgia Cervical cancer is the Cervical cancer is the eigth most common cause of cancer Every year are Every year are over 430 new cases diagnosed Every year over Every year over 130 Georgia women died of this disease_________________________________________________________ Sources: Georgia Comprehensive Cancer Registry, 2003

Cervical Cancer in Georgia Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality Rates by Race, US ( ) and GA ( ; ) Rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

Cervical Cancer in Georgia Georgia Cervical Cancer Incidence and Mortality by Age Group Rates are age-adjusted to the 2000 US standard population.

ACS Nutrition Guidelines Eat a variety of healthful foods, with an emphasis on plant sources. Adopt a physically active lifestyle. Maintain a healthful weight throughout life. If you drink alcoholic beverages, limit consumptions.

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