Roughly 15,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.  It has been said to cause more suffering worldwide than almost any other cancer that plagues women.  Due to the slow nature of the disease, it requires different management than other forms of cancer, and precancerous changes can be detected before it becomes invasive.  And although it can affect women of all ages, it is almost completely preventable.  The Pathology Department at the University of Utah is leading the effort in studying cervical cancer and improving methods of detection and prevention.

The main causative agent for cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted virus called, the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV.  Much is now understood about the relationship between the virus and cancer. Most research regarding cervical cancer deals with studying and understanding HPV.  HPV infects millions of women each year, but often it goes unnoticed and typically will disappear entirely after 6-18 months.  Studies show that only approximately 1% of women who contract HPV will eventually develop cervical cancer. 

Cervical cancer and its usually precursors  can be detected by a Pap smear examination, a test introduced after World War II, and is currently the most effective cancer screening test available.  The Pap examination consists of collecting cells from the surface of the cervix.  Taken by a physician, the cell sample is sent to the laboratory where it is observed under a microscope by trained cytotechnologists.  When the cell samples come to the laboratory, they are stained with a special dye that allows for the irregularities to be detected under microscopes.  Cytotechnologists and pathologists try to be as quick and accurate as possible when studying samples. If an abnormality is found and confirmed by a pathologist, treatment can then be provided to the pateint.  There are several different kinds of treatments, and are dependent on the severity of the abnormality.  Of the roughly 55 million Pap tests that are performed in the United States each year, 6% are abnormal and require some kind of medical follow-up.

Pathology faculty s at the University of Utah and ARUP are working to make sure that the laboratory that performs Pap examinations is as efficient as possible.  Efforts are constantly underway to reduce human error and improve accuracy of the examination.    However, because cervical cancer is a slow-growing cancer, it allows for more time for detection and treatment. 

Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable if women take the initiative to get screened.  Pap tests are easy and painless, and can ultimately save a woman’s life if she takes the necessary steps.