Cervical Health Awareness Month
The National Cervical Cancer Coalition recognizes January as Cervical Health Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about cervical cancer, HPV disease, and the importance of getting screened. Over 13,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Despite the disease being largely preventable, an unfortunate 4,000 women will die from cervical cancer this year in the United States.
CERVICAL CANCER
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is roughly the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In fact, it is the cause of an estimated 91% of cervical cancers. With more than 150 types, approximately 80% of women will acquire some type of HPV infection by the age of 50. Though most types are commonly acquired, they are considered low-risk, non-cancer causing, and typically resolve within two years.
Certain low-risk types cause a form of growth called papilloma’s, more commonly known as warts. Treatment is successful and rarely linked to cancer. However, other types are capable of mutating normal cervical cells into abnormal pre-cancer cells. It is unlikely for these types to resolve themselves. These high-risk HPV types become persistent, invasive cancers, such as cervical cancer, if left undetected.
PREVENTION + TREATMENT
Cervical cancer was once the most common cause of cancer death for women in America. In fact, with early detection of cancer through Pap and HPV screenings, both death and incidence rates of cervical cancer have dropped by more than half since the 1970s.
According to the American Cancer Society, the two most important things to do to prevent cervical cancer are getting the HPV vaccine, if eligible, and being screened regularly. Most insurance plans cover the cost of the HPV vaccine in accordance with federal regulation, and state-funded programs provide services to those without insurance.
Cervical cancers tend to develop slowly, and routine screenings prevent their progression. Pap tests detect any change to cervical cells that may be precancerous — it is not the same as a pelvic exam. It should be completed every three years, starting at age 21. By 25, primary HPV exams are also recommended every five years to check for the presence of the most important risk factor for developing cervical cancer, often missed by Pap tests — HPV. Routine screenings are essential for individuals with a cervix until the age of 65.
If detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable cancers. It is mostly diagnosed in women aged 35 to 44 who were not regularly screened. Since it develops slowly, early detection allows for early treatment, and transmission to cervical cancer is less likely. Unfortunately, there are barriers, as not every woman has access to healthcare. Still, all states offer women access to preventive health screening. If unemployed, without insurance, or make a low income, you may receive routine screenings and supportive care services online through Pennsylvania’s Breast & Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) or by phone via Adagio Health at 1-800-215-7494. Though HPV is not yet curable, precancerous cervical lesions may be treated with surgery and/or radiation and sometimes with chemotherapy. Additional targeted therapy may be warranted for survival.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA + CERVICAL CANCER
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) extracts have shown pre-clinical success in the inhibition of cervical cancer growth. In particular, THC and CBD may have anti-proliferative properties, stopping the growth of cancer cells within the cervical lining. CBD takes it further, showing a potential ability to kill cervical cancer cells.
Many patients use medical marijuana to manage symptoms of cancer and chemotherapy, and some patients report utilizing MMJ as co-therapy for cervical tumors. Patient’s report preferring more potent and concentrated forms when managing symptoms of cancer and its treatment.
Many patients look for products dominant in CBD, such as Cresco’s Harlequin 1:2 CBD vape cartridge, Standard Farms High CBD Tincture, or Organic Remedies Cherry CBD #2 RSO.
Cherry CBD #2 is packed not only with CBD but also with the pain-relieving terpene, myrcene, found in mangoes. It can be taken during the day, although with myrcene present, you may prefer to dose it towards the end of a productive day.
Standard Farms' CBD Tincture is a less complex formulation that can be taken in multiple daily doses. Harlequin is not favored for its taste but for its ability to provide mood-enhancing, pain-relieving effects at small intervals.
Cresco's 1:1 liquid live resin option is packed with beta-caryophyllene to provide soothing effects chosen by most and anti-inflammatory properties in the fight against tumor tissue.
In addition, medical marijuana may combat anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders that can plummet a woman struggling with the effects of cervical cancer and treatment.
Our Maitri Pharmacists and Patient Advisors are happy to discuss which combination of certain cannabinoids and terpenes may be best suited to meet your needs.
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA AFTER CERVICAL CANCER
It is not uncommon for women to have sexual health challenges during or after cervical cancer. Both physical and emotional oppositions may affect sexual intimacy for women. The NCCC believes sexual health is an important part of overall health and well-being. Medical marijuana may help with physical difficulties, such as chronic pain with THC suppositories, which may combat vaginal pain or discomfort during sex. Infused topical may be used to manage scar tissue by potentially increasing blood flow.
GET INVOLVED
Maitri is passionate about educating and advocating for sustainable wellness in all areas of health. Connect with our Pharmacists at any time to learn more and help make a difference within your community! Continue spreading the word about the importance of vaccination and routine screening — Get Involved, Make A Difference! Here are a few ways you may choose to get involved!
Encourage the women in your life to get screened regularly — Pap test every three years, HPV every five years.
Contact local media outlets, encouraging them to cover the importance of Cervical Health Awareness Month. Provide them with this proclamation initiated by the NCCC.
CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recently updated recommendations for adults up to age 45 after discussion with their clinician. Check with your provider if you believe the HPV vaccine may benefit you.
The Cervical Cancer Quilt Project — a key component of NCCC’s initiative to raise awareness about cervical cancer. Quilts are made by, or in memory of, women who have battled cancer and precancerous HPV lesions. Have a quilt you would like to donate? Please mail it to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC) at PO Box 13827, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.
REFERENCES
National Cervical Cancer Coalition nccc-online.org
American Cancer Society — https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cervical-cancer.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Use of 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus
American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures 2021. Atlanta, Ga: American Cancer Society; 2021.
Fontham, ETH, Wolf, AMD, Church, TR, et al. Cervical Cancer Screening for Individuals at Average Risk: 2020 Guideline Update from the American Cancer Society. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020. https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21628.
Lukhele, S and Motadi, L. Cannabidiol rather than Cannabis sativa extracts inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2016) 16:335 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-016-1280-0.
*This information and is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other health-care professional. This information has not been evaluated by the FDA nor is it intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease or disorder of any kind.