PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER

 BY JESSICA ZIMMER

Regular cervical cancer screenings are an important tool that can help prevent cervical cancer. In most cases, regular screenings are recommended every three years for women over age 21. Multiple studies indicate screening decreases the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer by 80 percent. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many may have paused their regular screenings.

Dr. Bridget Norman-Malme, obstetrician-gynecologist at Kaiser Permanente Central Valley, says, “Women should come in for their regular cervical cancer screenings to aid in early detection and prevention. When found early, treatment of cervical cancer is often successful. Without screening, cervical cancer is usually unobservable until it is in the later stages.”

A cervical cancer screening involves a brief physical exam, a lab test, and a one-week wait for results. An abnormal lab test may require a patient to schedule more frequent screenings until the issues are resolved. “Cellular changes usually disappear within one to two years. Screenings help to monitor progress, detect changes, and take appropriate steps to get the best possible outcome,” says Norman-Malme.

All women are at risk of developing cervical cancer, which occurs most often in women over age 30. While certain factors such as excessive drinking and smoking may increase risks, the leading cause of cervical cancer is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection. An HPV infection is passed from person to person during sex. “Getting the Human Papillomavirus vaccine is an effective way to protect against HPV infection and reduce the risk of cervical cancer,” says Norman-Malme.

A 2020 study of almost 1.7 million women in Sweden found HPV vaccination led to a 90 percent reduction in the risk of cervical cancer. Children of all sexes can get the HPV vaccine starting at age 9. Adults can be vaccinated, as well, preferably before age 26. Kaiser Permanente’s Modesto and Manteca medical centers offer vaccinations for both children and women.

“Cervical cancer can have a tremendous impact on a person’s life. But cervical cancer is preventable. [It can be treated] by staying up to date on your regular screenings and having your HPV vaccine. If you have questions or concerns, we’re always here to help,” says Norman-Malme.

Note: The HPV vaccine is proven safe and effective. It typically has only mild side effects.

Safety for a screening is heightened when patients wear a mask and have been vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.Kaiser Permanente patients should visit mykp.org to make an appointment for HPV vaccination or cervical cancer screening. Non-Kaiser Permanente patients should visit these websites for KP’s Modesto (https:// healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/northerncalifornia/facilities/modesto-medicalcenter-and-medical-offices-100301) or Manteca

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER.

At Kaiser Permanente, we don’t see health as an industry. We see it as a cause. And one that we very much believe in. During this extraordinary time we are especially thankful to the heroism of our frontline workers. And, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our outstanding care teams and individuals who deliver on the Kaiser Permanente mission each day to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We are here to help you thrive. Learn more at kp.org.