The uterus (womb) makes up part of the female reproductive
system. The cervix is the narrow canal at the entrance to the uterus.
All cells in the body undergo orderly, controlled cycles
of growth, repair and death. Cancer develops when some cells become abnormal,
experience uncontrolled growth and spread to other parts of the body. Cervical
cancer in its early stages has few symptoms. For this reason, regular screening
is needed to detect pre-cancerous changes or cervical cancer before it has
spread.
All women are considered at risk for cervical cancer and
the American Cancer Society (ACS) cites these additional risk factors:
- Cigarette smoking
- Early onset of sexual activity (before age 18)
- Multiple sex partners or whose partners have had
multiple partners
- History of sexually transmitted diseases
Early detection is the key to survival and the ACS
recommends that all women who are or have been sexually active or who are 18
years of age and older have an annual Pap smear and pelvic examination. After
three or more normal annual exams, the Pap test may be performed less frequently
as determined by the doctor.
A woman can take an active role in her healthcare by
discussing with her healthcare provider her risk for cervical cancer, lifestyle
choices to reduce the risk, symptoms to report and frequency of screening exams.
The DuPage County Health Department’s Breast and
Cervical Cancer screening program, "Why Wait?" recommends the following
organizations for more information on cervical health, cervical cancer, Pap
smears and other cancer information:
