Learning About Cervical Cancer- #gyncsm chat

This past Wednesday, January 8th,  I co-moderated the #gyncsm chat. The topic of this month's chat was Cervical Cancer. We were so lucky to have Tamika Felder, a 12 year survivor and founder of Tamika and Friends and Katie Brown, survivor and Director of Support and Advocacy for Lungevity, share their cervical cancer experience with us. 

As a gynecologic cancer survivor I knew that the Pap test is for cervical cancer not ovarian cancer. I knew that almost all cervical cancers are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus. I even knew about the vaccinations available to prevent cervical cancer ( Gardasil and Cervarix). 

But this chat taught me so much more. Here are some of the key points I learned about . .

• United States 2014 cervical cancer estimates - 12,360 est newly diagnosed cases of #cervca and 4,020 deaths
• Worldwide estimates: 500,000 cases and 250,000 deaths per year. 
• Any woman can get cervical cancer. 
• Early stages have no symptoms.
• Curable if caught early. Caught early with the Pap test.
• The vaccination can prevent the disease.
• Do you know where your Cervix is? Tamika mentioned that many woman don't know.
• There is a stigma/ shame  associated with cervical cancer.
• There are 4 types of HPV.
• Only 1/3 of girls eligible for the vaccine have taken it. 
• Treatment of cervical cancer can affect fertility. 

If you want to learn more and view some excellent resources check out the #gyncsm blog at 

http://gyncsm.blogspot.com/

Dee
Every Day is a Blessing!