During the month of January library staff are wearing teal to bring awareness to cervical cancer.  This is a cause that is very important to me.  When I was in college my Mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer.  It was the beginning of a journey that had many ups and downs.  We celebrated with her when she “beat” cancer and was declared cancer free.  And, we cried with her when we found out that the cancer had metastasized. We lost my Mother 29 years ago at the age of 45.  A lot has been learned about cervical cancer, prevention, and treatment in those years. 

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that over 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed globally each year. In the United States, about 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. People between the ages of 35 and 44 are most frequently diagnosed with cervical cancer. The average age at diagnosis is 50. Around 4,000 people die of cervical cancer per year. This rate is on the decline due to screenings and the HPV vaccination. 

Cervical cancer is a growth of cells that starts in the cervix.  When exposed to human papillomavirus (HPV), the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing damage. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years. This contributes to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.  There are more than 100 kinds of HPV and about a dozen of them have been shown to lead to cancer. Early detection and prevention efforts have contributed to a decline in cervical cancer rates in many developed countries. You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by: 

  • Receiving regular gynecological exams
  • Pap smear (Pap test): This test involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect abnormal changes. Cervical cancer develops slowly and over many years. It is recommended for women aged 21-65. For those 21 to 29 years of age, screening is recommended every three years with only a Pap test (no HPV test). For women 30 years and older, Pap test alone every three years.
  • HPV testing: This test detects the high-risk types of HPV infection that are most likely to cause cervical cancer.  For women 30 years and older, co-testing with Pap and HPV should be done every five years.
  • Vaccination: HPV vaccines are available to prevent infection with the most common high-risk HPV types. The HPV vaccine is approved for children and adults ages 9 to 45. The vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune system to attack certain HPV types. The vaccine is given in a series. The number of shots you need varies depending on the age you are at your first dose. 

In people with cervical cancer that’s caught at the earliest stage, the five-year relative survival rate is over 90%. Almost half of all cervical cancers are diagnosed at an early stage. The five-year survival rate is 58% if the cancer has spread to other tissues or organs.

Join BCPL staff this January in wearing teal to bring awareness to cervical cancer.