Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, affecting nearly 14,000 per year. But that number dropped dramatically over the years thanks to two critical screenings that are 100% covered on all TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard plans:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these routine screenings are the best way to catch cervical cancer early, when it's easier to treat.
Risk Factors
While it's most often found after age 30, any woman can get cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause of cervical cancer. HPV spreads by skin-to-skin contact, most often by sexual contact.
The CDC says nearly everyone will get HPV at some point. Most people clear these infections. For millions of others, chronic HPV infections can lead to cervical cancer.
There's no cure for HPV, but treatments can reduce symptoms. Beyond HPV, other common risk factors for cervical cancer include:
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Smoking — This can affect your immune system, interfering with the immune cells that help ward off HPV.
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Using birth control pills for five years or longer — The risk of cervical cancer rises with prolonged use.
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Having HIV — Women with HIV are said to be six times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without HIV.
Prevention
What can you do to prevent cervical cancer?
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Have regular gynecological visits and Pap tests — Screenings can help catch cervical cell changes so treatment can begin before cervical cancer develops. Pap tests are recommended starting at age 21, but consult your doctor to confirm what's right for you.
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Get the HPV vaccine — The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls by the CDC at age 11 or 12 through age 26. Unvaccinated adults over 27 should talk to their doctor to find out if the vaccine is right for them.
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Have safer sex — Use a condom and limit the number of sexual contact with high-risk partners.
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Quit smoking — This can have a positive impact on your health in many ways.
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Use your benefits — Your TRS health plan offers coverage for preventing, diagnosing, and treating cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Symptoms
Cervical cancer doesn't normally have symptoms early on. That's why it's so important to get regular checkups. Once symptoms start, it usually means the cancer has spread.
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Early-stage cervical cancer symptoms: |
Advanced cervical cancer symptoms: |
- Pelvic pain
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Pain during sex
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Vaginal bleeding after sex
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Post-menopausal vaginal bleeding
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Vaginal bleeding between periods
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Heavier or longer-lasting periods
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Watery or bloody vaginal discharge
| - Constipation
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Painful or bloody bowel movements
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Pain while urinating or blood in the urine
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Swollen legs
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Pain in the back or abdomen
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Fatigue
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While other conditions may cause many of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor when they arise. If it's cervical cancer, ignoring symptoms and delaying treatment could be dangerous — or even deadly.
Treating Cervical Cancer
If you get a cervical cancer diagnosis, your doctor will give you care options and develop a plan based on the type and stage.
Cervical cancer treatment options include:
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Surgery — Cancerous tissues are removed. In some cases, the entire uterus and/or cervix may need to be removed.
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Chemotherapy — Oral and intravenous medication is used to shrink or kill the cancer.
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Radiation therapy — High-energy rays kill the cancer or stop it from growing.
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Targeted therapy — Cancer-fighting drugs identify and attack cancer cells.
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Immunotherapy — This treatment uses your immune system to fight the cancer.
Your TRS health plans offer coverage to prevent, diagnose and treat cervical cancer. Take these steps for your health today.
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard participants:
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participants:
Visit the
American Cancer Society for more information and support.
Sources
National Cancer Institute.
Cervical Cancer. Accessed January 19, 2023.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cervical Cancer. Accessed January 19, 2023.
