UAB Medical West Recognizes Cervical Health Awareness Month

This year, more than ten thousand American women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. Cervical cancer was once the number one cause of death from cancer in women. Thanks to screenings, the number of women in the U.S. with cervical cancer has decreased dramatically. In honor of Cervical Health Awareness Month, UAB Medical West hopes to create awareness about the causes, risk factors, and prevention methods for contracting cervical cancer.

A virus—the human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that usually goes away on its own. Most people with HPV never even know they have it. There are two types of HPV—"low risk" and "high risk." Some low risk HPV infections can cause genital warts. Sometimes, if the high-risk type of HPV does not go away on its own, it may cause abnormal cells to form. If these abnormal cells are not found and treated, they may become cancer.

The FDA recently approved a new vaccine which will prevent many types of cervical cancer. The vaccine, called Gardisil, has been approved for administration to girls ages 9 through 26 who have not begun sexual activity. The vaccine, which works by building immunity against HPV, was found to be effective in preventing almost three-quarters of all cervical cancers.

“This vaccine will be an excellent tool in preventing cervical cancer,” said Dr. Richard Stephen, OB/GYN at UAB Medical West. “It is a significant advance in women’s health care.”

Dr. Stephen also reminds women that there are other risk factors in contracting cervical cancer. Women who smoke are almost twice as likely to develop cervical cancer. Women with HIV infection are at a higher risk of contracting the cancer due to their weakened immune systems. Family history also plays a role in developing cervical cancer. Women whose mothers or sisters have had cervical cancer are more likely to get the disease themselves.

The Pap test or Pap smear is another important tool for the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. It can detect abnormal cells and early cervical cancer, which can be treated successfully. It is recommended that women receive yearly Pap tests beginning three years after they become sexually active, but no later than 21 years of age.

UAB Medical West will soon be offering the HPV vaccine, Gardisil. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with a UAB Medical West physician, call 996-WEST.