Teenagers typically view themselves as invincible, rarely pondering their own mortality. Most are more concerned with social statuses, weekend plans and that dreaded biology quiz than the idea that cancer might one day sneak up. But the teen years are precisely the window when a young woman needs to consider protecting herself against cervical cancer.
Approved in December 2014, the newest HPV vaccine protects against the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV for short), which can cause cervical and other cancers. “Young women in particular should get vaccinated in their teen years, ideally between the ages of 11 and 15.” (The timing for young men isn’t quite as clearcut.) Why the emphasis on that specific window? “We’re all exposed to HPV pretty early in life,” explains Roper St. Francis Healthcare Gynecologic Oncologist Dr. T. Scott Jennings, and with exposure, the vaccine loses its muscle.
When administered prior to any HPV encounters, however, the vaccine induces mighty and lasting protection, with no known side effects beyond a sore arm.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a properly timed HPV vaccine is 97 percent effective in preventing cervical cancer and fairly successful at staving off external genital warts. Administered as two or three shots spaced 60 to 90 days apart, the quadrivalent vaccine fortifies the immune system against the four most prevalent strains of HPV and is given most commonly.
Current medical thinking holds that once a woman has been vaccinated, she’s set. “Of course, these vaccines have been around for less than 10 years, so studies may later prove the need for boosters,” adds Dr. Jennings.
“Cervical cancer prevention really involves two steps,” continues the OB/GYN. Early administration of the HPV vaccine is first. And screening with Pap smears starting at age 21 is second. “A woman should begin getting a Pap smear annually and then, with her doctor’s input, can shift to a three- to five-year schedule depending on her personal history and vaccination status.”
The one-two punch of an HPV vaccine and routine screenings is a woman’s best defense against cervical cancer, but Dr. Jennings stresses that prevention should also include body awareness. “If you experience any suspicious symptoms, especially related to irregular menstrual cycles, talk to your doctor.”
When Tiffany Britt’s menstrual cycles became heavy enough to bleed through her clothes, she immediately made an appointment with her OB/GYN. Subsequent tests revealed she had early stage three cervical cancer, and she spent the next year in treatment under Dr. Jennings. Now cancer free, she encourages other women to be vigilant. “You know your body better than anyone else. If you see or feel anything out of the norm, go see a doctor. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” reflects Britt.
Thanks to early detection with Pap smears and better overall health and hygiene, the prevalence of cervical cancer has dropped tenfold in the past five decades. For a South Carolina woman born in 1950, the risk of cervical cancer stood at almost one in 12. Today, that risk has dropped to less than two in 100. And the HPV vaccine continues to build upon that success.
“We’re now fine-tuning our approach to cervical cancer prevention, so expect further improvements in recommendations over next few years,” says Dr. Jennings. While cervical cancer has historically been a fatal diagnosis, recent treatment advances offer a much more promising outlook. “In just the last two years, a number of new developments bring about a real opportunity for, if not a cure, keeping patients going for many years.” So listen up, ladies! As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, January marks a prime time to be sure that you (and your teen daughters) have taken the best steps to prevent cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccination and screening schedules, then talk to your girlfriends about protecting their bodies, too.
If you need a doctor, call (843) 402-CARE. Or learn more about Roper St. Francis Physician Partners Gynecology Oncology services offered.