1. Schedule a Pelvic Exam and Pap Tests
If you haven't been to see your primary care practitioner or gynecologist in the last year for a pelvic exam and pap test, you should make an appointment ASAP. Cervical cancer usually goes undetected until there's an abnormal pap test. For most people, it takes quite a while for cancerous cells to form, so an annual exam usually catches any precancerous or abnormal cells early enough for treatment to be minimal. If you've started menstruating or are sexually active, you should be having a yearly pap. HPV tests are also becoming the norm for women under age 30, adding a second layer of defense against developing cervical cancer. As you age, your doctor may suggest having an exam every two years instead of annually. Otherwise, do not skip exams without your doctor's guidance. Pap tests are not perfect, and they can miss cervical cancer. However, abnormal cells not originally detected may be found during the next test.
2. Always Have Abnormal Bleeding or Discharge Examined
During more advanced stages of cervical cancer, you may notice abnormal bleeding and discharge. Bleeding and pain during or after sex often occurs, as well. Pay attention to your body, noticing changes in discharge or increased bleeding between periods (or after menopause). A foul-smelling discharge may indicate a number of ailments, all of which deserve a doctor's attention. The discharge may be embarrassing, so this is usually the most apparent of all symptoms and the hardest to ignore. Don't try to hide a new, unpleasant odor with feminine sprays or douching. Instead, simply visit a doctor to see what's causing it.
3. Ask for an HPV Test
HPV testing and vaccines help detect and prevent cervical cancer. However, the presence of HPV does not guarantee that you will develop cancer or any of its symptoms! The HPV test can be done at the same time as a pap smear. If you're over the age of 30, you may need to request the HPV test. Only a few strains of HPV lead to a more serious condition, and only a small percentage of women actually develop cancer because of HPV. A healthy immune system can fight off the virus completely. However, if "high-risk" HPV is detected, you will need to schedule more frequent pap tests and pelvic exams--usually once every six months--to look for abnormal cell changes.
