Understanding Cervical Cancer
- Stage 4 cervical cancer survivor Pam Grier, 76, says the surprise support she received from fellow actors during treatment made her fear she was dying—but their compassion ultimately helped pull her through.
- Grier was diagnosed with stage 4 cervical cancer in 1988. Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the womb (uterus). It usually develops slowly, however, before cancer presents itself. Vaginal bleeding or pelvic pains are common symptoms.
- Pap smears are one way to detect cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.
- Although it’s unclear what led to Grier’s cancer diagnosis, it’s important to note that more than 70% of cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). More than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, are preventable in people who get the HPV vaccine that is recommended for all preteens (both girls and boys) 11 to 12 years old.
The 1970s film star—known for her roles in blaxploitation movies like “Coffy” and “Foxy Brown”—recently told breast cancer survivor Julia Louis-Dreyfus on her podcast “Wiser Than Me” that the unexpected support made her feeling like she was “dying,” but their compassion helped her through.
Read More“I thought I was going to die. I thought they knew something that I didn’t know,” Grier said.
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She continued, “And I didn’t want them to come and see me anymore because I felt they’re not going to tell me … they don’t want me to know I’m going to die or see it on their face.
“And you do see when they come in and see you, you can see everything they’re seeing about you.”
When Louis-Dreyfus noted that she understand that feeling, she proceeded to ask Grier whether she asked those her came to see her what they were thinking, Grier replied, “Nope. I was surprised that they came.”
Grier then shared how TV producer and actor Peter Douglas also visited her.
She was worried that he or others would be worried when they saw her amid treatment because it had only been about a month after she was seen healthy and working with them.
“Then [they] see me within 30 days in such a state in a room with such equipment is this is not a joke and maybe she is dying and this is it. So Peter came in, my mom was there,” she explained further.
“He came in with a blender, a bag of ice and and made margaritas. There’s certain people that pull you back.”
Power of Support
A support system can be made up of loved ones like family and friends. It can also be comprised of strangers who have come together because of a shared cancer experience. Mental health professionals can also be critical parts of a support system.
WATCH: Sharing details about your cancer diagnosis.
“Some people don’t need to go outside of their family and friend’s circle. They feel like they have enough support there,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik told SurvivorNet.
“But for people who feel like they need a little bit more, it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional,” Dr. Plutchik added.
Dr. Plutchik also stressed it is important for people supporting cancer warriors to understand their emotions can vary day-to-day.
“People can have a range of emotions…they can include fear, anger…and these emotions tend to be fluid. They can recede and return based on where someone is in the process,” Dr. Plutchik said.
Pam Grier’s Cervical Cancer Diagnosis
A routine Pap smear ultimately revealed Grieg had advanced cervical cancer in 1988, and doctors warned she might have only 18 months to live, she told The Guardian in an earlier interview.
RELATED: Actress Pam Grier, 76, Says Her Diagnosis Was Linked to Prolonged Exposure to Cocaine.
Grier, who chose to fight cancer immediately, previously recalled, “They could operate or start treatment for another six weeks, as I’d already had surgery and my body had gone through so much trauma.
“I was told to start preparing for treatment and to organize my will. I coped from minute to minute. I went home to ponder this two‑inch‑thick folder they give you.”
As brutal as chemotherapy was for the actress, the stigma associated with battling cancer was more of a burden for Grier.
“In 1988, the C‑word meant: ‘Oh my God, you’re going to die. There is no hope,” she said. “You learn who your friends are when you have cancer.”
Fortunately, Grier went into remission after undergoing a partial hysterectomy and chemotherapy, and has since advocated for cervical cancer awareness.
Understanding Cervical Cancer & Pap Smears
Cervical cancer begins in the cells lining the cervix, the lower part of the womb (uterus). Treatment options for cervical cancer include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
It’s important to note that HPV (human papillomavirus), a sexually-transmitted virus, causes more than 70% of cervical cancer cases. Most cases of cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine.
Additionally, other risk factors like smoking can make you about twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t smoke.
Cervical cancer screening is critically important because an earlier diagnosis can mean a better prognosis with broader treatment options.
Expert Cervical Cancer Information
The American Cancer Society recommends that cervical cancer screening begins at age 25, and people aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test, an HPV test done by itself for screening, every five years. If primary HPV testing is not available, however, screening may be done with either a co-test that combines an HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every five years or a Pap test alone every three years.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as bleeding after vaginal sex, bleeding after menopause, after douching, bleeding and spotting in between periods or having heavier or longer (menstrual) periods than usual
- Unusual discharge from the vagina that may contain some blood and may occur between your periods or after menopause
- Pain during sex
- Pain in the pelvic region
Pap smears are one way to detect cervical cancer early. During the test, a doctor will collect a sample of cells from your cervix (using a small brush or spatula). The cells are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities, including cancer and changes that could indicate pre-cancer.
This is an important procedure because symptoms of cervical cancer might show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4. By helping doctors catch signs of the disease early, Pap smears can lead to broader and more effective treatment options.
One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV), one of the most common viruses which can be transmitted through sexual contact. HPV is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer, and there are usually no early signs or symptoms of the disease. However, cervical cancer can be detected through regular check-ups, such as pap smears.
RELATED: What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer Screenings
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s recommended that women start getting Pap tests at age 21. “If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test,” the CDC explains.
Meanwhile, anyone between 20 and 65 years old is urged to speak with their doctor on which testing option is best for them. The CDC explains, “An HPV test only. This is called primary HPV testing. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
“An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test. A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.”
For women older than age 65, the CDC says your doctor may suggest you don’t need further screenings if: “You have had at least three Pap tests or two HPV tests in the past 10 years, and the test results were normal or negative, and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past, or you have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.”
The Importance of Routine Screenings For Cervical Cancer
Regular cervical cancer screenings play a vital role in the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. SurvivorNet experts explain that timely cervical cancer screenings are essential because they:
- Help identify abnormal cells early: Screenings can detect abnormal cervical cells (also called cervical dysplasia) before they turn into cancer. Early detection allows for timely interventions and treatment, preventing the progression to cervical cancer.
- Reduce the risk of cervical cancer: Consistent and regular screenings have been shown to significantly decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer. The more often you get screened, the higher the chance of catching any abnormal cells early enough to treat them effectively.
- Confidence in your health status: Regular screenings provide peace of mind, knowing you’re taking steps to safeguard your health. Whenever abnormal cells are detected and treated, it helps maintain your overall well-being and offers reassurance.
Despite the benefits of regular screenings, some people may neglect them due to factors such as a lack of awareness, fear, or procrastination. It’s essential to remember that both the Pap test and HPV test usually take only a few minutes, easily performable during a regular doctor’s visit. The best preventative measure against cervical cancer is attending regular screenings and updating your healthcare provider on any changes in your gynecological health.
Interpreting Your Screening Results
Once your cervical cancer screening is complete, you’ll receive your test results, which can be categorized into normal, abnormal, or inconclusive. It’s important to discuss the results with your healthcare provider to fully understand them and make informed decisions about any necessary follow-up care. Here’s a brief overview of what the results might indicate:
- Normal results: If your screening results are normal, it means there were no significant changes or abnormalities detected in your cervical cells. This is good news and signifies that you are at low risk for developing cervical cancer. However, continue to attend regular screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Abnormal results: Abnormal results do not necessarily indicate that you have cervical cancer but can indicate cell changes that may develop into cancer in the future. These changes can range from mild to severe. Based on the severity of the abnormalities, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing, monitoring, or treatment. Some examples of further tests include repeat Pap tests or biopsy.
- Inconclusive results: Sometimes, screening results can be inconclusive, meaning that your healthcare provider cannot definitively determine whether the results are normal or abnormal. This can occur for various reasons, such as an inadequate sample or the presence of blood, inflammation, or mucus. In this case, your healthcare provider may recommend a repeat test or additional testing to obtain a clear result.
Regardless of the outcome of your cervical cancer screening results, it’s essential to stay informed and advocate for your health. Discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider, and maintain open communication about your cervical health.
Understanding Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are available for eligible cancer patients if other treatment options don’t seem to work. A clinical trial can be defined as a research study that compares the most effective known treatment for a specific type or stage of a disease with a new approach.
Participating in one does not guarantee you will get the most effective treatment and they are certainly not for everyone, but it does give you the chance to potentially access new, cutting-edge treatments while advancing science.
Before getting involved in a clinical trial, talk with your doctor(s) and consider the following general risks of enrolling:
- The risk of harm and/or side effects due to experimental treatments
- Researchers may be unaware of some potential side effects for experimental treatments
- The treatment may not work for you, even if it has worked for others
“Clinical trials are critical to the development of new therapies, and as we live through this extraordinary revolution in genomics, immunotherapy and targeted therapy, it’s clear that one of the most pressing needs for patients, clinical trials sponsors, and researchers is simply a better way to find patients,” SurvivorNet CEO Steve Alperin said.
“Even one percent more people successfully enrolled in clinical trials can change the world.”
Why I’d Choose a Clinical Trial For Myself
Your doctor may have spoken with you about possibly enrolling in a trial if you have advanced disease or if there’s a drug that’s currently considered investigational that may work better than the standard for you.
A lot of patients may feel uncomfortable about the thought of participating in a trial, but the trials can provide amazing opportunities for patients. For one thing, they give patients access to a bevy of new drugs that are currently being developed by pharmaceutical companies.
If participating in a clinical trial is something you think you may be interested in, the government has a list of trials that are currently ongoing. SurvivorNet also has a tool to help you find trials for your particular disease.
Clinical Trials Can be Life-Saving for Some
Questions For Your Doctor
If you or someone you love is facing a cervical cancer diagnosis, here are some questions to help you get added clarity from your care team about your treatment journey. SurvivorNet’s proprietary AI tool “My Health Questions” offers patients and their caregivers added value in navigating a diagnosis.
- What treatments do you recommend for my specific type of cervical cancer, and what is the goal of each one?
- What side effects should I expect from the recommended treatment, and what support is available to help manage them?
- How might treatment affect my fertility, sexual health, or overall quality of life?
- How will we monitor my progress during and after treatment, and what does follow‑up care look like?
WATCH: A New Wave of Cancer Patients Using SurvivorNet’s My Health AI Tools For Support
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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