Improving outcomes for breast and cervical cancer

In an effort to reduce mortality rates and improve overall treatment outcomes, early detection screenings for breast and cervical cancer have become a standard level of care for women. The methods of early detection allow for these types of cancer to be caught at a critical stage that has a direct effect on the patient’s outcome. Dr. Neelima Chintapalli, hematologist and oncologist with CHRISTUS Schumpert Cancer Treatment Center, said the screenings can catch both cervical and breast cancer at stages that might otherwise not be found – providing more treatment options.

“Catching breast cancer early allows for improved outcomes overall with better survival and cure rates,” Chintapalli said. “There are a variety of treatment options depending on various characteristics of breast cancer including hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. When caught early, less intensive treatment may be suf cient such as being able to avoid the need for chemotherapy.”

Providing patients with less intensive treatment options is a highlighted bene t from early detection screenings, especially in cervical cancer where treatment can include surgery.

“Similarly with cervical cancer, early detection can allow for less invasive surgery and the possibility of no chemotherapy,” she said.

It’s important for women to take the proactive approach in getting screened for these cancers, even those who are considered at-risk and not at-risk. For the patients who fall into the high-risk category, Chintapalli suggests they have more frequent screenings than others.

“Cervical cancer is a disease found in sexually active women and with infection of speci c strains of human papillomavirus,” she said. “Some risk factors include early onset sexual activity, multiple partners and cigarette smoking. Immunosuppression is another risk factor.”

The risk factors for breast cancer, which is the most prevalent kind of cancer in women, is a signi cantly longer list.

“[Risk factors include] increasing age, female gender, increased exposure to estrogen – as in early menarche or late menopause, a personal history of breast cancer or family history with a hereditary syndrome such as BRCA gene mutation. Certain high-risk women may be candidates for magnetic resonance image screening in addition to mammography.”

Chintapalli said some breast cancer screening guidelines vary from different organizations on what age patients should begin cancer screenings. She said a common guideline for regular screenings in average-risk women is to start at the age of 40. For cervical cancer, she said most groups recommend routine cervical cancer screenings start at the age of 21 in most situations.

Chintapalli said a clinical breast exam performed by a physician can be used as an adjunct to a mammography that may help with early detection of breast cancer. For cervical cancer, she said pap smears are exams which can be done by a gynecologist in the of ce setting for the evaluation of cervical cancer.

Awareness is an important aspect in catching breast and cervical cancer early on and having positive treatment outcomes. Chintapalli said there are strong correlations and symptom facts of which all patients should be aware.

“Cervical cancer is strongly associated with sexual activity, [and] there is a strong correlation with certain high-risk strains of human papillomavirus, which is sexually acquired,” she said. “There is now a vaccine available for the HPV virus which may be given to young women and should be discussed with a physician.”

“Breast cancer is a disease that can occur in many forms,” she said. “It may not always present as a mass. Other presentations include nipple discharge, dimpling of the skin, or abnormal mammograms. Women should not ignore any abnormal ndings and should follow up immediately with a physician.”

Because of the importance of early detection, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program was created in 1991 to provide clinical breast exams, mammograms, pap smears, pelvic exams, diagnostic testing and referrals to treatment for women through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Since its inception, the NBCCEDP has performed more than 10.4 million breast and cervical cancer screenings. The program aims to reduce mortality rates through the proactive approach of screenings on a national level, speci cally targeting the uninsured and underinsured. To nd a provider go to www.cdc.gov/cancer/nbccedp.