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Lakewood, NJ ----- Cervical cancer is a
slow-growing cancer that may not have any symptoms. Yearly
pap smears done during annual exams are imperative for all women. A
simple pap smear detects early changes in the cervix which could
indicate a sign of cervical cancer and other cervical conditions.
According to Adam Repole, MD, Chair of the Department of Obstetrics
and Gynecology at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood, “Cervical
cancer is a serious disease in which some cells in your cervix
become abnormal or unhealthy, multiply out of control and can damage
healthy parts of your body.”
The cervix is the organ that connects the uterus and the vagina. Approximately
11,070 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in 2008, according
to the National Cancer Institute. “As is usually the case
with cancer, women have the best chance for recovery when the disease
is detected early,” explains Dr. Repole.
Dr. Repole notes that there are certain risk factors associated
with the development of cervical cancer:
- The presence of an HPV infection. This is the main cause
of nearly all cervical cancers. HPV (human papillomavirus)
infections are very common. These viruses are passed from
one person to another through sexual contact. Most adults
have been infected with HPV at some point. Most of these
infections clear up on their own, however, certain strains can
cause changes to the cells in the cervix. If these changes
are detected early, then the cells which cause cervical cancer
can be treated by being removed or destroyed.
- Lack of annual pap smears. Women who do not have regular pap
smears are at a higher risk for developing cervical cancer.
- Cigarette smoking. Women with HPV who smoke are slightly
more at risk for developing cervical cancer.
- Weak immune system. Those with HIV or who take drugs
which suppress the immune system are also at a higher risk for
cervical cancer.
- Sexual history. Women who have had many sexual partners,
or those who have a partner who has had many other partners, are
also at increased risk.
- Use of birth control pills for many years. Those with
HPV infections who have been using a birth control pill for five
or more years are also at a slightly higher risk. This risk
decreases significantly when the use of the pill is stopped.
- Birthing more than five children. Women who have had five
or more babies are also at increased risk.
“A pap test truly is a quick and easy way to check your
cervical health each year,” says Dr. Repole. “During
the exam, a small brush is used to take some cells from the inside
and the outside of the cervix. The cells are then sent to
the lab to be examined under a microscope,” he explains.
Cervical Health Awareness Month is a good time to schedule your
yearly exam if you haven’t done so already.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Repole or another physician
on staff at Kimball Medical Center, call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: January 21, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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