Cervical health: Making yourself a priority

Cervical cancer rarely causes symptoms in its early stages. Most women feel completely normal. That is why waiting until something feels “wrong” can mean the disease has already progressed.

Screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests, can help detect changes before cancer develops or while it is still highly treatable.

Screening recommendations vary based on age, health history, and individual risk factors. Your provider can help determine which tests are right for you and how often you should be screened.

Even if you are approaching or past retirement age, it is important to talk with your provider before deciding to stop screening. Ongoing preventive care should be based on your personal health history and risk factors.

You don’t have to remember all of the screening guidelines. You just have to schedule the appointment. Your healthcare team can help guide you through the rest.

Cervical cancer can affect women at different stages of life. While some risk factors cannot be changed, there are important steps you can take to help reduce your risk.

There are risk factors you cannot change, such as family history or exposure to certain medications in the womb. But there are also steps you can take today to support cervical health:

• get recommended cervical screenings
• get the HPV vaccine if eligible
• avoid smoking
• use condoms
• limit exposure to HPV through sexual partners

HPV is a common virus that can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Vaccination and regular screenings are two of the most effective tools for reducing risk and supporting long-term health.

If you are a parent or caregiver, talk with your child’s provider about HPV vaccination. Taking preventive steps today can help protect their health in the future.

• Many women have no symptoms early on, but more advanced disease may cause:
• pain during sex
• pelvic pain
• abnormal discharge
• bleeding between periods
• bleeding after menopause
• More advanced warning signs may include swollen legs, blood in urine, or bowel and bladder changes.
• These symptoms do not automatically mean cancer, but they are signals your body deserves to be heard. Reach out to your provider so you can be evaluated and supported.

When cervical cancer is found early, treatment is often more effective and there may be more options available. This is one reason regular screening is such an important part of preventive care.

The goal of screening is to identify abnormal changes before they become cancer or to detect cancer as early as possible. Early detection can make a meaningful difference in treatment and long-term health outcomes.

Your health journey is personal. It deserves compassion, respect, and a strong Patient-Provider relationship. At HMG, we are committed to being your Health Partner for Life, providing quality care that exceeds expectations, and going the extra mile to support you in every season of life.

As an OBGYN, I want to empower women with knowledge, access, and encouragement to take the next step in caring for themselves.

If it has been a while since your last Pap test, HPV screening, or annual exam, consider this your gentle reminder:

Your life matters. Your future matters. And your health deserves to be a priority.

Schedule your visit today. For yourself, for the people you love, and for the years ahead.