Cervical Cancer Screening and Vietnamese Women

by National Cancer Institute

Letter to Vietnamese Women

I learned about cervical cancer when my friend died from it. After that, the women in my family started to talk about this disease.

My family is religious. My aunt said, "We cannot stop fate. What will be, will be." In some cases, I think this is true. But not with cervical cancer.

My friend is a doctor. She told me that a Pap test can prevent cervical cancer when you get the test regularly and follow up with your doctor as needed. I am glad to know that there is something we can do. Now all the women in my family have Pap tests regularly... - not just once. We do not want to lose a family member to cervical cancer!

It was a little embarrassing at first to get the test. But I had a Pap test because I think nothing could be worse than the pain I felt when my friend died too soon from cervical cancer. I come from a family of very strong women and when something is important for our family, we do it!

I tell every woman - especially Vietnamese women - to get a Pap test at least every 3 years and follow up with their doctor for the results. And get treatment if they need it. Pap tests save lives.

Sincerely,
Mrs. Le Thi Lam

Each year over 10,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Vietnamese-American women get cervical cancer more often than most other women.

There is something you can do to prevent cervical cancer.

There is a simple, 5-minute test called the Pap test (or Pap smear). This test looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer if left untreated. If cell changes are found early and treated, cervical cancer can be prevented. Many Vietnamese women do not get regular Pap tests. Most women who die from cervical cancer never had a Pap test.

This brochure has information about cervical cancer that EVERY Vietnamese woman should know to protect her health.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer begins in the cells of the cervix. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die and new cells take their place. Sometimes, this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a tumor, which can be cancer.

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. Before cancer appears, the cervix goes through slight changes where cells that are not normal begin to appear. Later, these abnormal cells can become cancer cells and start to grow and spread.

What Causes Cervical Cancer?

Almost all cervical cancer begins as an infection from a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is sexually transmitted. It is common in women and men. Cervical cancer is not caused by poor hygiene after sex.

Who Can Develop Cervical Cancer?

Any woman can develop cervical cancer. Women who do not have regular Pap tests have a higher risk of cervical cancer. Vietnamese women in the United States have a high risk of getting cervical cancer because many do not get regular Pap tests.

How Can a Woman Help Prevent Cervical Cancer?

A Pap test is the best way you can protect yourself from cervical cancer. You should have a Pap test at least once every 3 years, beginning by age 21. Women who have sex before age 21 should get a Pap test approximately 3 years after the first time having sex.

What is a Pap Test?

A Pap test is a very simple way to test the cervix for abnormal changes in cells that could lead to cancer if not treated. A Pap test is almost always done with a pelvic exam. The Pap test does not detect sexually transmitted diseases. Ask your doctor if you want other tests for these.

What to Expect During a Pap Test

Before the exam: Your doctor will leave the room. You will remove your clothes, put on a gown, and put a sheet over your waist and legs for privacy.

During the exam: Your doctor will insert a small instrument, called a "speculum," into the vagina to see the cervix. Your doctor will then use a small swab to collect cells from your cervix. You may feel a little discomfort.

After the exam: Your doctor will send the cells to a lab to see if there are any abnormal cell changes. Your doctor will follow up with you by phone or mail with your Pap test results. If your doctor does not follow up with you within a week or two after your Pap test, it is important to contact him or her to get your results.

When you go for a Pap test, your doctor may ask the following questions:

• "When did you have your first menstrual period?"
• "Are your periods regular?"
• "How long does your period usually last?"
• "How many sexual partners have you had?"

Do not think, "This doctor is too curious; this is so embarrassing." Please remember that this is your doctor's daily work. Your doctor needs this information in order to help protect your health.

About the Author

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