Fox Cities News

ThedaCare is urging women in central and northeastern Wisconsin to take proactive steps to reduce cervical cancer cases. Dr. Emily Gonnering, a Family Medicine Physician with ThedaCare, emphasized the importance of "healthy lifestyle choices, early detection through regular exams and screenings, and vaccination against certain viruses" as key preventive measures during Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.

Cervical cancer, which develops in the cervix, is treatable if detected early. However, screening rates have declined among some groups, leading to increased diagnoses. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), cervical cancer rates for women aged 30-44 rose by 1.7% annually from 2012 to 2019. Confusion over changing screening guidelines may have contributed to fewer women undergoing testing.

Dr. Gonnering highlighted that any woman can develop cervical cancer, with approximately 99% of cases linked to high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, a virus commonly transmitted through sexual contact. The ACS estimated around 13,800 invasive cervical cancer cases would be diagnosed in 2024, with about 4,300 deaths projected.

Minority groups face higher risks; the death rate for Black and Indigenous women is reportedly 65% higher than for white women. Cervical cancer most often affects women between ages 35 and 44 but rarely occurs in those under 20.

While historically one of the leading causes of cancer death among American women, cervical cancer rates dropped significantly from the mid-1970s to mid-2000s due to improved prevention and screening efforts. Despite rising rates among those aged 30-44, there has been an annual decline of 11% for women aged 20-24, likely due to HPV vaccination effects.

Health experts recommend starting cervical cancer testing at age 25 with a primary HPV test every five years until age 65 for those at normal risk. Women over age 65 who have had regular screenings with normal results can cease testing.

Dr. Gonnering stressed that "women should complete routine health care visits every year," regardless of their screening schedule, as it helps providers monitor overall health and assist in reducing cervical cancer risk effectively.

Symptoms often do not appear in early stages but may include abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge and pelvic pain if they do occur.

Vaccination remains crucial in prevention efforts. The ACS advises HPV vaccination for children aged nine through twelve and urges those aged thirteen through twenty-six who are unvaccinated or incomplete on doses to get vaccinated promptly.