News Article:

Doctors are joining forces to combat cervical cancer with the goal of eliminating the disease within the next decade. Cervical cancer, the fourth most common form of cancer in women, has the potential to be eradicated due to its well-known cause and the availability of a highly effective vaccine. Currently, cervical cancer cases are declining, but late-stage diagnoses continue to rise.

The leading cause of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted infection. Fortunately, there is already a vaccine available that experts estimate to be over 90 percent effective. However, vaccination rates in the United States remain low, posing a significant barrier to eliminating cervical cancer.

Dr. Linda Eckert, a gynecologist at the University of Washington, emphasizes the urgency to improve vaccination rates, as she suspects it may be the reason behind the recent increase in advanced cervical tumor cases among women in their 30s and 40s. She asserts that by utilizing existing tools, the staggering statistic of one woman dying every two hours from cervical cancer in the United States can be eliminated.

A study published in the International Journal of Gynecological Cancer found a decline in early-stage cervical cancer rates, but a gradual increase in late-stage cases over the years. To prevent cervical cancer, it is crucial to be aware of the symptoms, such as unusual vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, and lower back or pelvic pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stresses that almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Each year, approximately 13 million Americans are affected by HPV, which can lead to various cancers, including cervical, throat, anal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.

Encouragingly, research has shown that HPV vaccinations have led to a significant decline in cervical cancer rates. Girls and women between the ages of nine and 26 are eligible to receive the vaccine in the U.S., with the initial group of vaccinated women experiencing a 33 percent drop in cervical cancer rates from 2005 to 2012 and a remarkable 65 percent drop from 2012 to 2019.

Despite these promising results, vaccination rates are disappointingly low. The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that in 2020, only 32 percent of boys and girls aged 13 to 17 in Mississippi and 43 percent in West Virginia were up to date with their HPV vaccinations. These disparities in vaccination rates contribute to the rise in late-stage cervical cancers, particularly in certain states like South Carolina, West Virginia, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

Adding to the challenge, a recent report from the ACS reveals a nearly two percent annual increase in cervical tumors among women aged 30 to 44. Experts believe this rise may be due to this age group being too old to receive the HPV vaccine when it was first introduced. Moreover, the increase in adenocarcinoma, a type of cervical cancer that is harder to detect during screening, may be contributing to the rise in late-stage diagnoses.

Misdiagnosis and lack of adequate screening and follow-up also play a role in the growing number of cervical cancer cases. Dr. Isabel Scarini, a gynecologist practicing in Alabama, highlights the importance of proper screening, especially in low-income areas where access to healthcare may be limited.

In order to combat cervical cancer effectively, doctors advocate for increased education and awareness about the HPV vaccine and the importance of regular cervical cancer screenings. Operation Wipe Out, led by Dr. Scarini, aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2033 through vaccination and screening efforts.

Cervical cancer remains a significant public health concern, with an estimated 14,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in 2024 in the United States alone, resulting in around 4,300 deaths. The American Cancer Society states that the disease primarily affects women between the ages of 35 and 44.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a pervasive infection that can affect the skin and moist membranes in the body. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact and is highly contagious. There are over 100 types of HPV, with around 30 affecting the genital area. HPV infections often do not show symptoms and can clear up on their own, but they can also lead to genital warts and potentially cause cervical cancer.

As the medical community strives to eliminate cervical cancer, the emphasis on increasing HPV vaccination rates, improving screening efforts, and addressing disparities in healthcare access remains critical. By utilizing available tools and advocating for preventative measures, experts believe that cervical cancer can be virtually eradicated, saving countless lives.