Sunday, January 12, 2014

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 



Dee
Every Day is a Blessing! 

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