Gynecological Cancer Screening & Diagnostics

Each year, nearly 89,000 women in the US are diagnosed with a gynecological cancer, which is cancer that starts in a woman's reproductive organs. These include cervical, ovarian, uterine (or endometrial), vaginal and vulvar cancers. The symptoms, risk factors, prevention methods and screening options vary for each type of gynecological cancer.

Cervical cancer is the only gynecological cancer commonly screened for when a woman has no symptoms or is not at increased risk for developing the disease. Screening tests, which look for cancer when no symptoms are present, help find disease at an early stage, when it’s most curable and treatment is most effective.

Screening for other gynecological (GYN) cancers is recommended only for those women who have a higher chance of developing the cancers. Women should talk to their primary care or OB/GYN doctor to determine whether they are at increased risk for GYN cancer and what other screening tests — like genetic testing — might be right for them. 

Cervical Cancer Screening

Cervical cancer — cancer of the cervix, or the opening to the uterus — is the least common gynecological cancer and among the most preventable of all cancers. Cervical cancer screening detects changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. 

There are two screening tests used to find cervical precancers and early-stage cancers:

• Pap test: The Pap test, or Pap smear, looks for cancer on the cervix, as well as cell changes that could become cancer (precancers).


• The HPV test: The human papillomavirus (HPV) test detects the human papillomavirus, which can cause these cell changes. In many cases, the HPV test can be done at the same time as a Pap smear, and it can provide helpful information when Pap tests are unclear.

Over the last 40 years, the mortality rate for cervical cancer patients has been cut in half, thanks in large part to the Pap test; these screening tests are also credited for the decrease in cervical cancer diagnoses in the U.S. The Pap smear and the HPV test are the best tools available for preventing cervical cancer.

When cervical cancer is detected, Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, as well as a dedicated care team and surgical team that specialize in treating gynecological cancers. Click here to learn more about this expert team of specialists and our comprehensive gynecological cancer services.

Is Screening Right for You?

All women who have a cervix are at risk for cervical cancer, and that risk increases with age. 
Regular screenings can prevent cervical cancer or find it early. The American Cancer Society guidelines state that Primary HPV testing for individuals is the preferred method for cervical cancer screening for women ages 25 through 65 years old who have a cervix and are at average risk.

• The preferred option is primary HPV testing on a cervical sample collected by a health care provider every 5 years
• Alternatively, self-collected HPV testing can be done every 3 years. For this test, you insert a soft swab into your vagina. This test must still be ordered by a health care provider.
• Another option is cotesting every 5 years. This is when HPV testing is combined with a Pap test.
• If none of the above are options, a Pap test alone every 3 years can be done.
• You can stop screening at age 65 if your last 2 HPV tests or co-tests using HPC and Pap tests have been normal.
• Women who have been vaccinated against HPV should still follow the screening recommendations for their age group.

The Health Resources and Service Administration (HRSA) guidelines recommendations differ slightly. HRSA recommends Pap tests for women 21-29 and as an option for women 30-65 years old. High-risk HPV testing is the preferred screening method for women ages 30-65 at average risk.

How often you should get a Pap smear and HPV test depends on many factors, including age, health history and whether you have a weakened immune system. Women who have a history of cervical cancer, are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or who were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth may require more frequent screening.

Talk to your healthcare provider to determine how often you should have Pap and HPV tests, and whether the HPV vaccine is right for you.

Accreditation 

Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer. Sarasota Memorial has maintained continuous Commission on Cancer accreditation since 1988.