The Importance of Cervical Cancer Screenings
Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D.
| 4 min read
Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D., is medical director at ...
by Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D., medical director, Senior Health Services, Emergent Holdings
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable types of cancer. Yet each year, more than 11,000 Americans are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and around 4,000 women lose their lives to cervical cancer each year. Rates of cervical cancer have been decreasing in the last decade because of increased education and cervical screenings.
When to start getting cervical cancer screenings
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines suggest starting cervical cancer screening at age 21. Women should get a pap smear every three years from ages 21 to age 30. From age 30 to age 65, get a pap smear every five years in coordination with HPV testing. From age 65 and older, if no abnormal results have been found in the past two screenings, cervical cancer screenings can be ceased.
HPV and cervical cancer
HPV testing is a crucial element of cervical cancer screening and prevention. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a virus that can cause cervical cancer. HPV vaccinations are often provided in young adulthood, but individuals should check their HPV vaccination status.
Types of cervical cancer screenings
These tests are given regularly to screen for HPV cells and cancerous and pre-cancerous cells. Cervical cancer screenings can also lead doctors to discover other non-cancerous conditions such as infections or inflammation.
HPV testing
HPV testing is completed by testing cells from the cervix for HPV to gauge the risk of cervical cancer. This involves collecting a small sample of cervical cells during a pelvic exam. The sample is then sent to a lab that performs the testing.
Pap smears
A pap smear or pap test also involves the collection of a small sample of cervical cells during a pelvic exam. A pap smear tests the sample for cancerous, pre-cancerous or abnormal cells or cell growth in the cervix.
Combination HPV testing and pap smear
A combination HPV test and pap smear refers to the use of the same cervical sample being tested for both HPV and cancerous growth. The main benefit of this is that it involves one visit, one pelvic exam and sample collection, rather than a separate collection for both tests.
How to understand screening test results
Screening test results usually come back from a cervical cancer screening within a few weeks.
HPV test results
An HPV test result will include HPV status – either negative or positive and whether it is high risk. Some women may see a positive HPV result after years of negative results. This can be a sign of a new HVP infection but can also be a reactivated HPV infection.
Pap smear test results
A pap smear comes back with one of three results: normal, abnormal or unsatisfactory. A normal result from a pap smear test means that no cancerous, pre-cancerous or abnormal cells or cell growth was found. An unsatisfactory result means the screening couldn’t be performed accurately or completely. This can be caused by too small or too large of a sample, blood or mucus altering the sample or errors in the screening process. A second screening is likely needed.
An abnormal result means there are irregularities or abnormalities found in the cervical cell sample. This does not inherently mean it is cancer, but doctors may recommend further testing and monitoring. Abnormal pap smear test results can include a few specific findings:
- Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US):
These cells are abnormal, but the cause is unclear. Possible causes are irritation, infections, other non-cancerous growths and hormonal changes. Further testing is likely to be suggested. - Atypical glandular cells (AGC):
Glandular cells are one type of cell in the cervix. If these are abnormal, further testing will be suggested. - Low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL): These cells are abnormal due to changes from the HPV virus. More testing will be needed.
- Atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H): This means some cells found were high-severity in their abnormalities, and further testing will be needed.
- High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL): This means a high number of anormal cervical cells in the sample. These may be pre-cancerous and likely need further testing.
- Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS): This means a pre-cancerous growth or lesion was found in the glandular cells of the cervix and will need treatment.
- Cervical cancer cells (squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma): This means cancerous cells were found in the sample.
by Dr. Patricia Ferguson, M.D., medical director, Senior Health Services, Emergent Holdings. Emergent Holdings is a separate entity contracted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to perform administrative services for Blue Cross’ Medicare Advantage program.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Related:
