Cherie Black

Any woman is at risk for it, but every woman can prevent it.

That's what gynecologists are urging us to realize when we think about cervical cancer.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by a sexually transmitted virus called the human papillomavirus or HPV. There are many types of this common virus and only a few high-risk types can cause cervical cancer.

Although it is preventable, the American Cancer Society shows an estimated 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with the disease this year. In Illinois, 740 women are expected to be diagnosed with an estimated 230 dying from the disease. In Iowa, an estimated 100 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Why? Because women aren't screened regularly to find changes before cancer develops.

"Pap tests are very effective at detecting cervical cancer at an early stage where it is nearly 100 percent curable. Women should begin regular pap tests at the age of 18, or when they first become sexually active," said Dr. Teresa Coon, a gynecologist with Trinity Women's Clinic in Bettendorf.

Despite its benefits, not all women have Pap tests. Between 60 and 80 percent of women in the United States with newly diagnosed invasive cervical cancer have not had a Pap smear in the past 5 years, and many of these women have never had a Pap test. Latina women are the least likely of any racial or ethnic group to use preventive services with Asian American and African American women also having low screening rates.

I can personally attest to the benefits of regular screenings. I had a cervical cancer scare when I was 20 and in college in Washington, DC. Because my doctor found the abnormality early, a more serious, cancerous problem might have been avoided. I know going to the gynecologist is no picnic, but it quite possibly saved my life and it could save yours.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and The American Cancer Society suggests following these guidelines issued in 2002 for cervical cancer screening.

n Cervical cancer screening should begin approximately three years after a woman begins having intercourse, but no later than 21 years of age.

n Cervical cancer screening should be done every year with Regular Pap tests or every two years using liquid based Pap tests. At or after age 30, women who have had three normal test results in a row may get screened every two to three years.

n Women 70 years of age and older who have had three or more normal Pap test results and no abnormal results in the last 10 years may choose to stop cervical cancer screening.

Cherie Black can be contacted at

(563) 383-2329 or cblack@qctimes.com.