Around 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year in the United States. Early cervical cancer typically has no symptoms, making regular screenings vital. Advanced cases may cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge, or pain after intercourse, but at this stage, treatment will be more invasive and may not succeed.
At Westlake Women’s Health Specialists in Westlake, California, Stephanie Mandelman, MD, knows how critical it is for women to avoid cervical cancer. She highlights the crucial role of regular Pap tests and human papillomavirus (HPV) screening in early detection and vaccination for prevention.
Let’s break down why Pap tests and HPV screenings matter, who should get them, and how you can take steps to protect your health.
The Pap test or Pap smear identifies precancerous changes in your cervical cells, which could lead to cervical cancer if untreated. The HPV test checks for human papillomavirus, which can cause these abnormal changes.
By catching cell abnormalities early before any symptoms appear, these screenings significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Current screening recommendations are as follows:
Begin Pap tests at age 21. If the results are normal, you complete further screenings every three years.
You have three options based on your health and preferences:
At 65, you may stop screenings if you have consistently normal results and no history of cervical precancer. Those who have their cervix removed during a hysterectomy for non-cancerous reasons may also discontinue screenings. Always consult with us to determine the best plan for your needs.
The CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program offers free or low-cost cervical cancer screenings if you lack health insurance or have a low income. Check if you qualify to ensure financial barriers don’t prevent you from accessing essential care.
Vaccination protects you against the HPV strains most commonly linked to cervical cancer. Children as young as 9 can get the vaccine, but we typically recommend it for preteens 11-12. Those up to age 26 can benefit if not previously vaccinated.
Adults aged 27-45 may choose vaccination after consulting us about risks and potential benefits.
Vaccination is most effective if you get it before any exposure to HPV, so starting early is key. However, even if you receive the vaccine, you still need regular screenings because it doesn’t treat existing infections.
If your Pap test results show abnormal cells, don’t panic — it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Mildly abnormal results show cell changes that could be due to temporary inflammation or other issues that often resolve on their own. We might recommend retesting and monitoring the changes in a few months.
Highly abnormal results may need further evaluation through a colposcopy. In this procedure, we use a magnifying instrument to examine your cervix and may take a tissue sample (biopsy).
If lab tests confirm precancerous cells, we perform a loop electrosurgical excision (LEEP), a minor in-office procedure under local anesthesia where we remove the affected tissue.
After treatment, there’s a slight chance of recurrence, so follow-up care is crucial. We may recommend the HPV vaccine post-treatment if you haven’t already had it.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular screenings and the HPV vaccine. Early detection saves lives, and staying proactive about your reproductive health ensures the best possible outcomes.
This year, commit to scheduling your Pap or HPV test, talking to us about vaccination, and encouraging loved ones to do the same. Together, we can lower the risks and spread awareness about the importance of prevention.
Call Westlake Women’s Health Specialists to schedule your Pap test, HPV screening, or vaccination. We also welcome online appointment bookings and messages through our contact form.
