Women in Motion

Susan Blatt, MD

Cancer can develop in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. At the present time, cervical cancer is essentially preventable.  Cell changes that precede cancer can be identified on a Pap smear and prompt treatment can almost always prevent the development of full-blown cancer.

Cervical cancer generally develops in women over 40 and is more common in women whose male partners were not monogamous or women who have had multiple sexual partners. It is also more common in women who are immunosuppressed.

Cervical cancer is generally caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).  This virus sometimes causes warts. When women acquire the virus sexually, they may have warts on the genital surfaces. The virus also may infect the cervix and cause flat lesions. When the virus grows and multiplies in the cervix some of the cells may become malignant or cancerous.  If there is no treatment, the cancer will grow and spread slowly.  If years go by, the cancer may become life-threatening.  

If an abnormal Pap smear shows signs of early cancer, a repeat Pap after a few months may be recommended or colposcopy.  With the colposcope, the cervix can be examined and specific areas of precancerous cells can be seen and removed.  The procedure is painless and is done in a gynecologist’s office.  

For sexually active teens and women in their 20’s annual Pap smear is recommended.  For many women over the age of 30, Pap smear can be done every three years.  Women should discuss the scheduling of Pap smears with their gynecologist or primary provider to make sure that adequate testing is being done.  

Before the Pap smear was developed in the 1950’s, cervical cancer was the commonest cause of death due to cancer in women.  Now the cancer seldom progresses enough to cause death and only around 3000-4000 women die of cervical cancer in this country each year. It remains a common cause of death in some parts of the world. Since the early stages of cervical cancer cause no symptoms, it is important to have routine Pap smears to make sure that a precancerous condition is not present.