Cervical Cancer – Are you at risk?
Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the cervix (month of the womb). The prevalence of sexual promiscuity (multiple partners) and early sexual activity in Jamaica has caused the island to record a high incidence of cervical cancer.
So what are the factors that put us most at risk? For some time now, cervical cancer has been associated with the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted. Although the research regarding this association remains inconclusive, it has been proven that among virgins and closed societies (religious orders), cervical cancer is almost non-existent.
Some researchers have also sought to prove that the foreskin of uncircumcised males make them more efficient carriers of the virus. It is, however, theorised that uncircumcised males pose a greater risk than circumcised males who are seen as being less vulnerable to the virus (HPV). It is also noted that in Jewish communities, the incidence of cervical cancer is extremely low.
Women are therefore advised to limit the number of sexual partners; request annual pap smears, and use barrier methods of birth control, such as condoms (male/female) and diaphragms.
Women should also be cautious of the sexual history of their partners. Males with multi-partners become transmission agents of this form of cancer. In such instances, where the woman is faithful to one partner, and the male is being promiscuous, barrier methods of birth control are highly recommended.
Pap smears provide the opportunity for early detection of “pre-cancerous legions” thus allowing treatment options before the condition worsens. Regular pap smears will indicate “irregular” cells in the cervix decades before it develops into cervical cancer. While some doctors recommend pap smear tests from as early as age 18, however, the initiation of these tests should really depend upon the patient’s sexual history.
Unfortunately, many women argue that they don’t need to do pap smears for all the wrong reasons. These include their family history, sexual habits and cultural beliefs. Ironically, cervical cancer has very little to do with genetics, or your own personal sexual habits.
As previously mentioned, the sexual habits of the individual (whether past or present), is the critical factor. The male partner for instance, may be a carrier of the virus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer in his “chaste” partner.
Even older women, who have abstained from sex for years, are still advised to do pap smears. After all, cervical cancer can literally take decades to develop.
For women in monogamous relationships (with a stable “faith” partner), who receive clean pap smears for three consecutive years, pap smears can be conducted at less frequent intervals (every 3 years).
– Dr Sadler is a general practitioner who practices in Mandeville.
