Cervical Cancer

More than 82,000 women are diagnosed each year with gynecologic malignancies, which include ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. Combined, they are the fourth most common cancers among American women, and many could be prevented with lifestyle changes and the use of available screening techniques.

Cervical cancer is diagnosed in close to 13,000 U.S. women each year and is the most preventable of gynecologic cancers.

Diagnostic Tests

Although aggressive new therapies are being evaluated by Gynecologic cancer specialists at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, early detection and diagnosis remain a woman's best opportunity to treat gynecologic cancers. Routine annual gynecologic examinations are the first line of defense.
Cervical cancer is the only gynecologic cancer that, in most instances, can be avoided by regular Pap test screening. The Pap test, a simple procedure that can be performed during routine gynecologic visits, detects pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.

Following the development of this test, mortality rates from cervical cancer have dropped by 74 percent. Still, some 4,600 U.S. women will die this year from cervical cancer.

Our physicians offer valuable advantages in the diagnosis of gynecologic cancers. Because it is difficult to distinguish between some types of cancerous and benign cells on biopsies, our gynecologists created a special division headed by a gynecologist who is board certified in both obstetrics/gynecology and pathology (the study of tissue and cells). The field of gynecologic pathology was pioneered at Hopkins, where specialized pathologists examine all gynecologic cancer tissue samples.

Cancer Symptoms

Early cervical cancer also does not cause many symptoms, but when the cancer spreads, women may experience abnormal bleeding and increased vaginal discharge. Other symptoms may include difficult or painful urination, pain during intercourse, or pain in the pelvic area.

Current Treatments

Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy or chemotherapy may be used to treat gynecologic cancers. The treatment plan depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of disease, the woman's age and her general health.
Approximately one in every 20 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer in her lifetime. though many of these cancers are preventable, studies indicate that many women are not aware of the risks or preventative measures available. The Johns Hopkins Breast and Ovarian Surveillance Service (BOSS) uses research dicoveries about the inherited predispositions and the genetic causes of these cancers to provide individualized risk assessment for women. BOSS experts discuss cancer susceptibility and risk factors, genetic testing, and screening and prevention.

Gynecologic cancer patients have access to all the counseling and support services of the Kimmel Cancer Center, including therapists who specialize in the diseases and their psychological impact on patients and families, support groups for patients and support groups for their families.

New Treatment Approaches

A team of researchers at the Kimmel Cancer Center has developed a possible new weapon in the fight against cervical cancer. Clinical studies of vaccine that targets an antigen of the human papillomavirus (HPV) most commonly associated with cervical cancer are underway. The vaccine works by activating the immune system against all cells expressing the antigen. Investigators expect this new therapy will stop the progression of pre-cancerous lesions to actual cancers. A research study is now underway on the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in women positive for certain types of HPV. For questions regarding the HPV vaccine clinical trial call Mihaela Paradis (study coordinator) or Barbara Wilgus-Wegweiser (research nurse) at 410-502-0512. For more information about new treatments for abnormal pap smears.