March 11th 2008 - A Visit with the Gynecologist 2 - Cervical Cancer - Dr Brett Hodge, OB / GYN was the Let's Talk expert for this show. With over twenty years clinical experience Dr Hodge was quite ready to shed light on and to explain the facts about the Cervix and Cervical cancer.
During pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed to help keep the baby inside the uterus. During childbirth, the cervix dilates (opens) to allow the baby to pass through the vagina.
Cervical Cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb) that opens at the top of the vagina. Worldwide, Cervical Cancer is the third most common type of cancer in women.
Dr Hodge explained that In Anguilla and the rest of the Caribbean it was sad to state that Cervical cancer was the second leading cause of death in women. In his opinion, this sad statistic is not acceptable since Cervical Cancer is Preventable first of all and also highly treatable.
The Doctor mentioned the high incidence of cervical cancer among older women. Women in their 50's 60's and 70's who never had a pap smear and who are being diagnosed with the disease when it is already in an advanced stage. Dr Hodge called on all older women to begin getting pap smears and to take control of their health. He also urged all women aged 21 and older or who are sexually active to have regular screening.
Other points mentioned were the risks factors, the causes, the symptoms, treatment, and the prevention of Cervical Cancer.
Some of the causes mentioned were having sex at an early age and having multiple sex partners; as well as sexually transmitted infections. Dr Hodge also explained that while symptoms for the disease were rare, when they did occur it was usually in the advanced stages of the disease.
Special menttion was made of The HPV virus and it's relation to Cervical cancer, and also the HPV vaccine.
Among prevention methods mentioned were quitting smoking, practicing safe sex, using condoms, limiting the number of sexual partners and of course getting regular Pap smears.
For more information please see your doctor or gynecologist.
Dr Brett Hodge OB/GYN can be reached at Telephone # (264) 497-5828
His office is located at The Johnson Building in The Valley Anguilla.