1.27.04

Cervical Cancer Screening

More than 4,000 women in the U.S. die each year from cervical cancer - the most preventable cancer in women. (That story from

Although there has been a 70 percent decline in deaths from cervical cancer in the past 50 years since screening began, more than 4,000 women still die each year from the disease. Dr. Stewart Massad, chief of gynecologic oncology at SIU School of Medicine in Springfield explains the causes of cervical cancer.

SOUND BITE: "Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers in humans that we know to be caused by a virus. The virus is called papillomavirus and it's related to the sort of virus that causes warts on the hands and other parts of the body. Although women can develop cervical cancer even if they have never had visible warts. This virus is sexually transmitted and any woman who has had sexual relations in the past, regardless of how remotely, is at risk for developing cervical cancer. Cigarette smoking is another risk for cervical cancer."

Screening for cervical cancer is done through Pap smear testing at the regular gynecological examination. The Pap smear test can identify women who are at risk for cancer before they actually have precancerous changes. The precancerous tissue can be destroyed before it develops into full-blown cancer. Dr. Massad explains new guidelines for who should be screened and how often.

SOUND BITE: "Generally screening should begin 3 years after the woman first has sexual relations or at age 21. After that patients should have annual screenings until they have had at least 3 normal screening tests or pap tests. After that they can go to screening tests in intervals of 1 to 3 years based on discussions with their physicians."

Dr. Massad says because cervical cancer is the most preventable cancer in women, it is very important that they see their physicians regularly for a Pap smear test to help prevent the disease.