Cervical Cancer: What You Need to Know

Authored by Dr. Robert Wetzel, MD & OBGYN.

We asked one of our in-house medical directors, Dr. Robert Wetzel, to provide insight into this important women’s health issue. Dr. Wetzel has been a medical director at The Health Plan since 2017. He’s has been practicing since 1989, is an associate professor for West Liberty University's Physician Assistant program and is also an OB/GYN at East Ohio Regional Hospital.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth in the tissues of the cervix, an organ that connects the uterus and vagina.

Why is cervical health awareness so important?

Being aware of your cervical health is very important because cervical cancer does not have symptoms until it is relatively late in the disease. Before the 1970’s and the use of pap smears, most people with cervical cancer presented signs of the disease outside of the pelvis, making a cure less likely. Symptoms of cervical cancer are typically bleeding after intercourse and pelvic pain. But do not wait for these symptoms to have an exam, as they only occur after the cancer has already spread.

What tests should I talk to my doctor about?

The most important procedure and test for your cervical health is the pap smear. Some newer protocols incorporate HPV testing to screen for pre-cancerous lesions on the cervix. Women should begin getting pap smears at 21 years of age and have them done every three years or five years with HPV testing. If you have a pap smear with abnormal results, then your doctor may recommend yearly tests until they are no longer abnormal. Pelvic exams should be done yearly after one becomes sexually active, regardless of age, and continued yearly until one reaches her 70’s.

Is cervical cancer hereditary?

Cervical cancer is not hereditary and is actually sexually transmitted through the HPV virus and usually involves a cofactor that suppresses the immune system such as smoking, HIV, diabetes, etc.

What’s the best way to reduce my risk of cervical cancer?

The best defense against cervical cancer in childhood and early adulthood is to receive the Gardasil vaccine that is given between the ages of 9 and 26. It protects against the four most common subtypes of HPV (>90% of cervical cancers come from these subtypes). Some newer vaccinations protect against nine subtypes of HPV for greater protection.

After age 26, early detection is key. Annual exams and pap smears every three years are the best methods for early detection of cervical cancer. Most gynecologists stop administering pap smears when patients reach mid-60’s but will continue with pelvic exams for a decade after. STD testing (particularly chlamydia and gonorrhea) should be conducted annually from the onset of intercourse to age 26. After age 26, testing is done based on symptoms, such as pain or abnormal bleeding, and/or clinical suspicion, such as new partners or a partner who reports exposure.

If you don’t have a yearly appointment made with your OB/GYN, consider scheduling one as soon as possible. 

If you have a health concern our nurse information line will help you get in touch with one of our many nurses, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Speak to a nurse by calling 1.304.639.8597 or 1.800.624.6961, or submit a form on our website and one of our nurses will call you.