Still work to be done to reduce cervical cancer

In January, we get the chance to raise awareness for cervical cancer during cervical cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of HPV vaccines, regular screening and treatment for cervical cancer. According to the World Health Organization, the objective is to greatly decrease the cases of cervical cancer by 2030 and to eliminate it as a public health issue by 2120. As stated by the World Health Organization, “Together, we can strive to end cervical cancer within a few generations.”

Cervical cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells that starts in the cervix. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a viral infection that is passed through sexual contact. When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing much harm. However, in some cases the virus stays present for years. When this happens, it contributes to the development of cervical cancer.

In early stages of cervical cancer, there may not be any signs or symptoms. Some signs or symptoms of cervical cancer may include abnormal vaginal bleeding between periods, or after menopause, unusually heavy or long periods, and pain in the pelvic area or lower back that may go down one or both legs.

Between 1984 and 2005, rates of cervical cancer declined steadily. However, in Canada, the rates of cervical cancer have reached a stable level. This is concerning public health officials because it threatens the elimination goal and causes preventable deaths to continue. The Canadian Cancer Society estimated that a total of 1,650 women would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 430 would die in Canada in 2025. It is too early to know the actual statistics.

Cervical cancer can be easily prevented through vaccines against HPV and regular screenings. Persistent high-risk HPV infections, early sexual activity, weakened immune system, smoking and tobacco exposure, and lack of regular cervical screenings are all factors that can increase the chance of getting cervical cancer.

Receiving HPV vaccinations may reduce the risk of cervical cancer; however, it does not prevent all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Because of this, it is important to get regular screenings. Pap tests are one of the most common tests to be done; pap tests help diagnose HPV infections, abnormal changes in cells, and precancers that can be treated before they become cancer. Most women between the ages of 21-69 who have had sexual contact should get a pap test every three years. According to CBC News, “The Health Resources and Service Administration issued new recommendations that will eventually allow women and people assigned female at birth easier access to at-home self-testing kits for HPV.” The self-testing kit is described to be a lot like the at-home rapid tests used for COVID-19.

Cervical cancer is a very serious disease. If not caught and treated early, it can be life threatening. Canada has come a long way in reducing the number of cases of cervical cancer, but there is still work to be done. This month is a reminder that this disease is preventable and anyone at risk is encouraged to get vaccinated and attend regular screenings.

» Madeleine Brown is a Grade 11 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.