Annual well-woman visits can catch cervical cancer early

There are many reasons why our San Antonio gynecologists urge women to see us every year for an annual well-woman visit. One of them is a test that could save your life: the annual Pap test. This test checks for cervical cancer, a type of cancer affecting the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus at the very top of the vagina. Catching abnormal cells early can allow for speedy treatment to stop the development of this cancer before it even starts.

Who is most at risk for this type of cancer?

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause abnormal growth of cervical cells. Women who have been diagnosed with HPV, had multiple sexual partners, engaged in sexual activity at a younger age, or who have weakened immune systems are at the greatest risk.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Most women do not experience any symptoms with early-stage cancer of the cervix. Once well-established, however, this cancer can cause several symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other types of infections or just irregular cycles.

Unusual vaginal bleeding, such as after sex, between periods or during menopause
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area or back
Feeling excessively tired or fatigued

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to make an appointment with your OBGYN. By the time women notice symptoms, the cancer has already progressed and spread, making it harder to treat. This is why annual cervical cancer screening is such an important part of staying healthy and well.

Who needs to get a pap test every year?

The Pap test is just one tool in our San Antonio gynecologists’ toolbox for screening for cervical cancer. It can help us find changes in cervical cells early, before they turn into cancer, and it can also catch cancer that is already developing. Catching cancerous or precancerous cells early means we can treat them early, before the condition becomes more dangerous.

We also screen for HPV, the virus that can cause this type of cancer. In some cases, both tests are performed at the same time. Everyone who has a cervix needs to know the current guidelines for how often to get tested, which depend on your age and health history.

Women younger than 21 do not need a Pap test, even if they are sexually active.
Women ages 21 to 29 should get a Pap test every three years.
Women ages 30 to 65 should have a Pap test every three years and an HPV test every five years, or an HPV/Pap cotest every five years.
Women older than 65 should talk to our San Antonio gynecologists about whether they need to continue screening. Recent abnormal tests or a lack of regular screening in your past may mean you need to continue screening later in life.

Treatment for cancer of the cervix

If your test results are positive for cancer cells, we will refer you to an oncologist for treatment. Your treatment plan will depend on your personal situation, and may include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery to remove the cervix and nearby tissues or lymph nodes.

Regular care by our San Antonio gynecologists is key

We recommend that all women and girls get vaccinated to prevent infection with HPV, and we urge you to never skip your annual well-woman visits. We understand that life gets busy, but regular cervical cancer screening may save your life. Contact us now to schedule an appointment with our San Antonio gynecologists.

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