Eliminating Invasive Cervical Cancer Possible, Moffitt Cancer Center Researchers Report
“Invasive cervical cancer can be eliminated in the United States,” concluded the authors. “To achieve this goal, we need to adopt a comprehensive national health care program that underscores accessible and equitable health care, one that delivers compassionate care to all. A future without invasive cervical cancer is possible, although we must be innovative and vigilant in our approach to reduce its burden, as well as reduce the disparities in access to screening and overcome the obstacles to vaccination.”
The authors’ work was supported in part by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (R25 CA147832). It is one of five manuscripts published as a special issue to highlight the progress needed to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide. The manuscripts grew from five podium presentations at the 2011 International Papillomavirus Conference and Clinical Workshop held in Berlin.
What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?
Since there are usually no symptoms associated with cancer of the cervix, you must be sure your doctor does an important test, called the Pap smear, to look for it. The Pap smear is done by using a piece of cotton, a brush or a small wooden stick to gently scrape the outside of the cervix to pick up some cells that can be examined under a microscope.
Some women may qualify for low or no-cost Pap smears through the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health, at 1-888-522-1282 for more information.
Are there risk factors for developing cervical cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute, strong risk factors include early age at first intercourse, a history of multiple sexual partners, genital human papillomavirus infection or other sexually transmitted disease (STD), the presence of other genital tract cancers, and prior squamous intra epithelial lesion (abnormal cells). Women 60 years of age and older are at greater risk for cervical cancer since they are less willing or able to seek medical care for screening or treating cervical cancer. Other risk factors include active or passive (“second-hand”) smoking, poor nutrition and a current or past sexual partner with risk factors for STD, immunodeficiency or testing postive for HIV.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Since 1999, Moffitt has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer. With more than 4,200 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact on the state of nearly $2 billion.
###
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute