What is cervical cancer?  

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Various strains of HPV, human papillomavirus, play a role in causing most cases of cervical cancer. HPV is a common infection that’s passed through sexual contact. When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from causing harm, but in a small percentage of people the virus survives for years. This contributes to the process of cervical cells becoming cancerous.  

Why are we focusing on cervical cancer?  

Cass County’s cervical cancer rate is 7.38 per 100k. Cass ranks 20th out of 98 counties (1 = highest rates). In the U.S., cervical cancer ranks as the 14th most common cancer among women. It is also the 4th most common cancer among women between 15 & 44 years old.

Signs & Symptoms 

Signs of cervical cancer include vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause, menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer than usual, watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse. If you have any symptoms, it is important to talk to your primary care provider right away.

Screening Guidelines  

Screening for cervical cancer involves a pap test. A pap test, or pap smear, is a procedure that involves collecting cells from the cervix.

• For women ages 21 - 30: You should have a pap test done every 3 years.
• For women 30 and older: You should have a pap test done every 5 years with an HPV test.

What to Expect at Your Screening

1. Check in at Registration. You will then be directed to the waiting room.
2. A nurse will guide you to an exam room, and then briefly review your medical history and ask about any symptoms or concerns you may have. 
3. You will be asked to undress from the waist down. You will be given privacy to undress, and also given a gown and/or sheet to cover yourself for your privacy. 
4. When the provider arrives, they will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have before beginning the exam.
5. You will lie on your back on the exam table with your feet placed in footrests. The provider will gently insert a speculum to allow for a clear view of the cervix. 
6. A small sample of cells will be collected from the cervix using a brush or swab. This part of the test takes just a few seconds and may cause brief pressure or mild discomfort. 
7. Once the sample is collected, the speculum will be removed and the exam is complete. 
8. You will be given time and privacy to get dressed. Afterward, you are free to return to your normal daily activities. There are no restrictions following the exam. 
9. Your pap results are typically available within two weeks. 
10. If your results are normal, you will receive a letter or see the results in your MyChart account. 
11. If your results are abnormal, you will receive a phone call from our office and a certified letter will be sent to your home. 
12. Depending on your results and medical history, your provider may recommend: 
13. Repeating the Pap test after a certain amount of time, or 
14. Scheduling a colposcopy for a closer examination of the cervix