Cervical Cancer

Many women aren't aware that cervical cancer is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. There are over 100 different types of HPV viruses, and over 40 are sexually transmitted. It's estimated that there are 1,300 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in Canada each year.

“Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in women,” says Dr. Beth Donaldson, a physician and HealthChoicesFirst.com partner. “It is most common in younger women who are sexually active. You actually can't get cervical cancer unless you have been sexually active in the past.”

Cervical cancer forms in tissues of the cervix, which is the organ connecting the uterus and vagina. It is usually a slow-growing cancer, and women may not have any symptoms when it's diagnosed.  Fortunately, it is treatable and curable when caught early; the cure rate for stage 1 cervical cancer is 80% to 90%.

“Cervical cancer is caused by one of four common HPV viruses,” says Dr. Donaldson. “The way to screen for cervical cancer is what we call a Pap smear. It's a yearly test that women need to start having as soon as they become sexually active in life, and they have it up until about age 69.”

In 2006, Health Canada approved a vaccine that protects against HPV.

“It's now being given across Canada to girls aged nine to women aged 26,” says Dr. Donaldson. “And it's actually just started being given to boys as well. This vaccine will likely be available to the wider population at some point.”

You should see your physician on a yearly basis to get a thorough exam for cervical cancer.

“Women should really start to think about cervical cancer as soon they start to become sexually active,” says Dr. Donaldson. “It doesn't matter whether that age is age 14, or age 40 - they should see their physician within six months.”

Read about two other women's cancers: breast cancer and ovarian cancer.