Cervical Cancer: A Preventable and Treatable Disease

Dr. Dan Huynh

In the United States, an estimated 10,000 new cases of invasive cervical cancer are diagnosed annually, and there are 4,000 deaths from the disease each year. In some parts of the world, it is still the most common cancer among women, affecting approximately 500,000 women each year.

Despite these statistics, cervical cancer ispreventable and, when detected early, it is highly treatable. The key is to educate women about screening and prevention.

Cervical cancer begins in the cervix, the part of the uterus or womb that opens to the vagina. Major risk factors include sexual activity at an early age, multiple sexual partners, a high-risk sexual partner and sexually transmitted diseases. HPV (human papilloma virus) is a sexually transmitted infection also strongly associated with the developmentof cervical cancer.

The Asian American cancer burden is unique -- Asians are the only ethnic group to experience cancer as the leading cause of death.

Talk to your doctor about cervical cancer screening. A Pap test saves the lives of 70 percent of the women who might have died from cervical cancer had it not been detected. Recent advances in screening and the development of a vaccine could help eventually wipe out cervical cancer entirely.

Visit your doctor for Pap and HPV tests. Most tests should be taken once a year, but how often you should get tested depends on your age, previous test results and the kind of tests you decide on with your doctor. Women should start getting screened for cervical cancer by the time they are 21 years old or three years after they start having sexual intercourse, whichever comes first. There are different kinds of tests available, so talk with your doctor to decide the best plan for you.

Early cervical cancer often doesn't have symptoms -- underscoring how essential it is to get screened every year. The most common symptoms are abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse and vaginal discharge. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, set up an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

The new HPV vaccine is a significant step forward in the fight against cervical cancer. The U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the vaccine for girls and women ages 9-26. Patients who receive this vaccine should still get their annual Pap examination. If you fall within this age group, ask your physician whether you or your children are candidates for this vaccine.

Women who are screened see a dramatic reduction in the risk of cervical cancer compared to women who do not get tested. I can't emphasize this enough! Most cervical cancer is preventable by early screening and detection. Talk to your doctor about cervical cancer screening.

For more information, visit www.kaiserpermanente.org or email Dr. Huynh at

Dr. Dan Huynh is Division Chief of General Internal Medicine at Kaiser Permanente.

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This advertorial is part of a monthly series for New America Media’s ethnic media partners written by Kaiser Permanente physicians based on their experiences. Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente and produced by NAM InfoWire.