Ask the expert: How to prevent cervical cancer

Screenings and vaccinations have helped lower the rates of cervical cancer in many countries, including the U.S. Pap smears enable health care providers to find and treat abnormal cells before they become cancerous, and the human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine and test help more people be proactive in protecting their health. 

Julie Thomas-Beckett is a nurse practitioner who specializes in preventative and holistic care at MSU Health Care Family Medicine. Here, she discusses the importance of cervical cancer screenings and the latest information regarding cervical health in advance of Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month in September. 

Why are cervical screenings important? 

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in women, and with regular screening, it is largely preventable. Cervical cancer screening is important to detect early changes on the cervix or the presence of HPV infection.  

Ongoing tests can help individuals routinely monitor their health, as indicated by their provider, to intervene and prevent cancer before it progresses. It is important to speak with your health care provider about risks to determine the appropriate testing frequency for you. 

What advice would you give to patients who may feel hesitant or anxious about cervical cancer screenings? 

We now understand much more about the effects of HPV, and the cervical cancer screening guidelines have changed because of lessons learned. In the past, women had yearly pap tests. Because the HPV test has been added to the pap, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now recommends pap testing every three years for women aged 21 to 29. Women who are 30 to 65 years old can choose to get the pap test alone every three years or a pap/HPV test every five years.

Again, this schedule is adjusted based on risk and personal history. It is important for people to know about their individual risks and these general guidelines so they can make an informed screening plan with their health care provider.

Information is power, and knowing the results of pap and HPV testing gives the patient information about their health so they can make the best decisions for their care. Early detection is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. If we can find early changes and address them, then cervical cancer can often be avoided.   

What are some risk factors regarding cervical cancer? 

The largest risk factor for cervical cancer is HPV exposure, which is sexually transmitted. Anyone who is or has been sexually active should be tested. Health care providers can use those results to develop a cervical cancer screening plan moving forward. Other common risk factors for cervical cancer include smoking and exposure to the synthetic form of estrogen, diethylstilbestrol, in utero.  

Is there anything else patients should know? 

It is important for patients to be honest with their health care provider about potential risks for HPV, including the number of sexual partners in their lifetime, smoking history, any abnormal pap test results and HPV vaccine status.