Advocating for Your Health Means Staying Current with Screenings
Singer Leann Rimes, 41, shared that she underwent a pap smear, which led to the discovery of abnormal precancerous cells. A pap smear is a test that helps detect cervical cancer early. The singer underwent a procedure to remove the abnormal cells from the cervix.
Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) procedure removes abnormal cells from the cervix that are sent to a lab for testing for signs of cervical cancer.
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 that may not be easily traceable to cervical cancer; thus, regular screenings are recommended.
Cervical cancer, which has been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), is curable when discovered early through routine screening, which is done through Pap Smears or HPV tests.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is “a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex,” and is linked to multiple cancers. More than 90% of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, are preventable in people who get the HPV vaccine.
Singer Leanne Rimes, 41, is breathing a sigh of relief after undergoing surgery to remove precancerous cells discovered after undergoing a pap smear. She’s advocating other women stay current on their annual cervical cancer screenings to catch anything abnormal early as she did.
“I’ve always been open about my health challenges,” Rimes said in an Instagram post.
“This time around is no different. I think it’s important to share what we are going through with one another, and on another level, for me, as someone who has a platform to be able to raise awareness for issues such as psoriasis, mental health, and now, women’s wellness and the importance of annual screenings and early detection,” she continued.
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. Cervical cancer, which has been linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), is curable when discovered early through routine screening, which is done through Pap Smears or HPV tests.
AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 02: LeAnn Rimes attends the 2023 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 02, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMT)
Rimes says she underwent her annual pap smear a few months ago, and the results came back abnormal. Abnormal pap smears and colposcopies (a procedure that looks for abnormal cells in the cervix) are a common occurrence for the “How Do I Live” singer.
“My doctors have been keeping an eye on any cellular changes that could be taking place. After my latest abnormal pap smear and colposcopy revealed that I had high-grade cervical dysplasia (abnormal cells in the cervix), I consulted my doctor, and we jointly decided that a (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) LEEP procedure would be in my best interest in order to remove the high-grade, abnormal precancerous cells,” Rimes said. A LEEP procedure removes abnormal cells from the cervix that are sent to a lab for testing for signs of cervical cancer.
Many Rimes’ supporters, including Instagram user Cheryl Carney, chimed in with their experiences.
“I just got mine yesterday. Some timing this post is. I didn’t realize how long it was since my last. I always got my mammograms, but just forget to get my other tests,” Carney commented.
“Thank you for sharing. For three years, I’ve been in and out with biopsies and LEEPs, and this past November, I got a call from my doctor saying I am free and clear. I burst into tears, and it was the best news ever. Cheers to you and your health,” Instagram user Amanda Faith commented.
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 09: LeAnn Rimes performs at the Ryman Auditorium on December 09, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)
Rimes also lives with the chronic skin condition psoriasis.
“Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune skin condition where you have red, scaly patches on the skin,” Dr. Saakshi Khattri, a Dermatologist/Rheumatologist at Mount Sinai Health System, tells SurvivorNet.
“It is a long-term condition, which can ebb and flow. You can have good days and bad days.” Dr. Saakshi explains that while anyone can develop psoriasis, the disease is more common in people between 30 and 50. Researchers believe genetics, as well as environmental factors, may play a vital role in the development of this disease.
Although psoriasis is incurable, treatment options to manage symptoms exist, including topical ointments and creams.
A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a procedure doctors use to collect abnormal cells from the cervix to diagnose cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (also called cervical dysplasia) or cervical cancer. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is abnormal cells found in the cervix. According to the National Institutes of Health, cervical dysplasia is “the precursor to cervical cancer” that is caused by the human papillomavirus in the cervical tissue.”
The procedure usually does not take long to perform and uses a method of conization of the uterine cervix. Conization is the removal of a “cone-shaped portion of the cervix encompassing the transformation zone and suspicious cervical lesions” for histological analysis, the NIH explains.
“A loop electrode consisting of a thin wire that allows deep excision of the transformation/transition zone,” which is a region of the cervix. Rimes stressed she chose to use anesthesia to improve comfort during the procedure. Researchers who studied the LEEP procedure in the Journal of the Formosan Medical Association said, “Without anesthesia, the patients did not have any noticeable pain during the procedure” and didn’t experience complications such as fever, bleeding, or infection, although these complications are possible.
Recognizing the Signs of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer forms in the cells of the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb), which connects the uterus to the vagina, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
“Cervical cancer usually develops slowly over time. Before cancer appears in the cervix, the cells of the cervix go through changes known as dysplasia, in which abnormal cells begin to appear in the cervical tissue,” the NCI explains.
“Over time, if not destroyed or removed, the abnormal cells may become cancer cells and start to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and surrounding areas.”
While symptoms tend to be difficult to detect during cervical cancer’s early stages, some signs can still indicate something is amiss and needs a closer look.
The NCI explains that symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer may include:
vaginal bleeding after sex
vaginal bleeding after menopause
vaginal bleeding between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal
vaginal discharge that is watery and has a strong odor or that contains blood
As noted, a pap smear is an option 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.
The added value of pap smears is that symptoms of cervical cancer might show up until the disease is at stage 3 or 4 and more challenging to treat. This critical procedure helps doctors catch signs of the disease early. Furthermore, pap smears can lead to broader and more effective treatment options.
One of the leading causes of cervical cancer is the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Cervical Cancer and HPV
Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, and more than 70% of cases are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is “a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal or oral sex,” the National Cancer Institute says. HPV infection is linked to multiple cancers, and the majority of sexually active people will get the disease at some point in their lives.
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 in two doses administered between six and 12 months apart. The shots can also be started as early as nine years old.
“The key with the vaccine is that you received the vaccine before you ever reach sexual debut or have sexual encounters. So that’s why these vaccines are approved for young children ages 9, 10, 11 years old, up to 26,” Dr. Jessica Geiger, a medical oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Cancer, told SurvivorNet.
The HPV vaccine is entirely safe. As Dr. Jonathan Berek, director of the Women’s Cancer Center at Stanford Medical Center, told SurvivorNet, “There are virtually no side effects with this vaccine. It’s incredibly safe. It’s as safe as any vaccine has ever been.”
The American Cancer Society recommends cervical cancer screenings begin at age 25, and HPV screening is recommended every five years after that.
