Radiation Therapy Clinic in Los Angeles, CA
At Pasadena CyberKnife Center, our mission is to help patients throughout Pasadena and the greater Los Angeles area beat cancer through noninvasive radiation therapy treatment. As a leading cancer treatment center in Los Angeles, our team of world-class radiation oncologists and cancer doctors works with patients to create comprehensive treatment plans that fit their lifestyle – and thanks to noninvasive CyberKnife, we can treat many forms of cancer without the need for surgery or incisions. That includes some cases of cervical cancer.
About Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer occurs when a cancerous growth forms on the cervix – the lowermost portion of the uterus that opens into the vaginal canal. Globally, about 200,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year. Unfortunately, as with many forms of cancer, there are usually few to no symptoms of cervical cancer before it’s reached an advanced stage. If cervical cancer does produce symptoms, they can include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal or lower belly pain
- Pain during sex
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
Causes and Prevention of Cervical Cancer
Unlike many other cancer, cervical cancer is almost invariably caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus transmitted through sexual contact that can infect both men and women. Many people are infected by HPV but do not produce symptoms.
Because it’s normally caused by a virus, cervical cancer is among the most preventable forms of cancer. In most cases, both men and women should receive an HPV vaccination to prevent the transmission of the virus. HPV vaccinations are most effective when given at a young age, but still may be effective for older women.
Beyond vaccination, regular preventive screenings are the best way to fight cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is easiest to treat when found early on, so screenings can help detect the cancer at an early stage. The primary screenings for surgical cancer are a Pap test and an HPV test. The frequency at which you should receive cervical cancer screenings depends on your specific risk factors and medical health, but the general recommendations are as follows:
- Women in their 20s should receive a Pap test every 3 years.
- Women between age 30 and 64 should receive either a Pap test alone every 3 years or
both a Pap test and HPV test every 5 years. - Women over 64 should talk with their doctor about whether or not Pap tests are still
necessary.
Schedule a Consultation with Your Pasadena Radiation Therapy Clinic
The best option for fighting cervical cancer is prevention – but if you or someone you love has been diagnosed, there’s always hope. At Pasadena CyberKnife Center, we provide expert treatment to even advanced cancer cases. Don’t wait: contact us today to schedule your treatment consultation. We’ll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, beat cancer, and reclaim the healthy, normal life you deserve.