Don't Let Cervical Cancer Take You by Surprise: Protecting Older Women

 

    Cervical cancer is a preventable disease, yet older women continue to die from it. This is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed urgently. In this blog post, we will examine the reasons why older women are at a higher risk of dying from cervical cancer and what can be done to prevent it.

• Aging and Lack of Screening: 

    As women age, their bodies undergo many changes, including changes in the cervix. These changes make older women more susceptible to developing cervical cancer. Unfortunately, many older women do not receive regular cervical cancer screenings, which can detect the disease in its early stages and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

• HPV Infection: 

    The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. While HPV infections are common, older women may have contracted the virus earlier in life and may not have been aware of it. This can lead to the development of cervical cancer later in life.

• Co-morbidities:

    Older women are often more likely to have other health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis, which can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to fight off cancer.

• Misinformation and Stigma: 

    Many older women may not have access to accurate information about cervical cancer and its symptoms. In addition, there is often a stigma associated with talking about the disease and seeking medical attention, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

• Prevention is Key: 

    The best way to prevent cervical cancer in older women is through regular screening and vaccination. The HPV vaccine can protect against the virus that causes cervical cancer and can also prevent other types of cancer, such as throat and anal cancer. Screening tests, such as the Pap test and HPV test, can detect cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable.

    Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that continues to affect older women. By increasing access to screening and vaccines, educating women about the disease, and breaking down the stigma associated with cervical cancer, we can help save the lives of older women and prevent this devastating disease.

If you are age 35 or older please make it your business to set up an appointment with your OBGYN for a pap smear or cervical cancer test ASAP!