By Dr. Sharad Ghamande
Gynecologic Oncologist
MCG Health System 

For years, the pap smear has been the most effective way to detect early cervical cancer, but now physicians are finding that the test to find HPV (human papillomavirus) may be more effective. Testing for the presence of cancer-related HPV is more sensitive than Pap testing in finding cancer or pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. HPV testing can also reduce the occurrence of cancer on screening exams.  For patients that are 9 to 26 years of age, with either normal pap smears, or at no risk for HPV, there is more promising news. Cervical, pre-cancerous lesions can be prevented with an HPV vaccine, given over a six-month period in three doses. There are many different strains of HPV, but Type 16 and 18 have been shown to more commonly cause cervical cancer.

At the MCG Gynecological Cancer Prevention Center, we urge every woman to have regular screenings as cervical cancer can take years to develop. If caught early, it can be easily treated. Many women who develop cervical cancer have not been tested for it in four or five years. One reason for this may be that some women feel they are not at risk for the disease. Unfortunately, cervical cancer can occur in any woman, and certain women are at greater risk for the disease. These risk factors include:

• Having many sexual partners.
• Having initial sexual intercourse at a young age.
• Smoking.
• Oral contraceptive use.
• Weakened immune system.

Signs of cervical cancer can include unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, and post-coital pain or bleeding. Women shouldn’t wait until these signs develop into cancer. Early detection can mean a better prognosis.

MCG Health System is composed of three organizations - MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the MCG Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Medical Center, MCG Children’s Medical Center, the MCG Sports Medicine Center, MCG Ambulatory Care Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia, and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by providing an environment for delivering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit www.MCGHealth.org.