Protect Against Cervical Cancer
If you're a woman, you can develop cervical
cancer. What you need to know is that early detection
is your best defense. When diagnosed early and
treated promptly, cervical cancer is highly curable.
The American Cancer Society estimates 14,500
new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be
diagnosed in 1997. But the good news is the death
rate from cervical cancer has declined dramatically
-- by almost half -- since the early 1970s, partly
because women are being diagnosed earlier.
Often, cervical cancer is closely tied to sexual
behavior. You are at higher risk for cervical
cancer if you began having sexual intercourse
at a young age, if you have had multiple sexual
partners, or if your partner has had multiple
partners. But keep in mind that women of any age
or with any sexual history can develop cervical
cancer.
While you can't change your past behavior, you
can take steps now to reduce your risk and improve
your chances of beating cervical cancer should
you develop it:
- Practice safe sex. Cervical cancer has been
linked to certain types of the human papillomavirus
(HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. Use
a condom!
- Stop smoking. Cigarette smokers run a higher
risk of developing cervical and other types
of cancer.
- Get regular Pap tests. Women who are sexually
active or who have reached age 18 should have
a pelvic exam and Pap test every year. These
tests often detect cervical cancer at its earliest,
most treatable stage. In fact, the American
Cancer Society reports that, when detected at
an early stage, invasive cervical cancer has
a five-year survival rate of 91% for localized
cancers.
|
