Health Problems in Hispanic American/Latina Women: Cervical Cancer

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Cancer of the cervix, a very common kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. The cervix is the opening of the uterus, or womb. It connects the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal). Cancer of the cervix usually grows slowly over a period of time. Before cancer cells are found on the cervix, the tissues of the cervix go through changes in which abnormal cells begin to appear (a condition called dysplasia). Later, cancer starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to surrounding areas. Study results show that the number of new cases of invasive cervical cancer among Hispanic American/Latina women (age 30 years and older) is about twice that for non-Hispanic women. But, Hispanic American/Latina women in the Southwest and Midwest have similar rates to non-Hispanics. Overall, the death rate from cervical cancer is 40% higher among Hispanic American/Latina women than non-Hispanic women. Although invasive cervical cancer can be prevented by regular screening, Hispanic American/Latina women have a low rate of Pap testing.

The most common symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding. Many ethnic groups share the things that can make you more likely to get cervical cancer, such as having more than one sexual partner, starting sexual intercourse at a young age, and other dangerous sexual behavior. You can help find cervical cancer early, when it is most treatable, by getting regular Pap tests and pelvic exams. Get a Pap test every one to three years if you have been sexually active, but no later than at 21 years old. Women should then have Pap tests at least once every three years. You should talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap test and pelvic exam.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) program provides free or low-cost Pap testing to women who don't have health insurance. Non-profit organizations and local health clinics are the main groups who provide the tests. To learn more about this program, please contact the CDC at 1-888-842-6355 or look on the Internet at www.cdc.gov/cancer

Last updated: August 2003

Publications

1.   Cervical Cancer (PDQ®) Treatment - Patients - This publication provides information on cancer of the cervix that is geared towards patients. It includes a definition of cervical cancer, explanations of the different stages of cervical cancer, treatment options, recurrence information, and where to go for more information.
   
   
2.   Lo que usted necesita saber sobre™ el cáncer de cérvix - Este folleto del Instituto Nacional del Cáncer (NCI) le ofrece información importante acerca del cáncer del cuello del útero y sobre algunas condiciones que pueden llevar a esta enfermedad. Tiene información sobre la prevención, síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento.
   
   
3.   Screening for Cervical Cancer (PDQ®) Screening/Detection - Patients - The purpose of this summary is inform on the risk factors of cervical cancer and the effectiveness of common screening methods.
   
   
4.   What You Need To Know About™ Cancer of the Cervix - This booklet will give you some important information about cancer of the cervix and about some conditions that may lead to this disease. You can read about prevention, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. This booklet also has information to help you deal with cancer of the cervix if it affects you or someone you know.
   
   

Organizations

1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource Center
   
   
2.   Cancer.gov
   
   
3.   Cancer.gov en Español
   
   
4.   National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, NCCDPHP, CDC
   
   
5. National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)
   
   

= Indicates Federal Resources