Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix, a very common kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus, or womb. It connects the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal). Cancer of the cervix usually grows slowly over a period of time. Before cancer cells are found on the cervix, the tissues of the cervix go through changes in which abnormal cells begin to appear (a condition called dysplasia). Later, cancer starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas. Study results show that the number of new cases of invasive cervical cancer among Hispanic American/Latina women (age 30 years and older) is about twice that for non-Hispanic women. But, Hispanic American/Latina women in the Southwest and Midwest have similar rates to non-Hispanics. Overall, the death rate from cervical cancer is 40% higher among Hispanic American/Latina women than non-Hispanic women. Although invasive cervical cancer can be prevented by regular screening, Hispanic American/Latina women have a low rate of Pap testing.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. Many ethnic groups share the things that can make you more likely to get cervical cancer, such as having more than one sexual partner, starting sexual intercourse at a young age, and other dangerous sexual behavior. You can help find cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable, by getting regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. Get a Pap test every one to three years if you have been sexually active, but no later than at 21 years old. Women should then have Pap tests at least once every three years. You should talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap test and pelvic exam.