Prioritizing Women's Health: Safety Of Cervical Cancer Screenings During Pregnancy in Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and it's a time to raise awareness about this disease and the importance of early detection and prevention. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. According to the CDC, almost all types of cervical cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the US and is highly contagious due to its ability to be transmitted via skin-to-skin contact.  There are over 100 different types that range from high-risk to low-risk. The less risky types are treatable and cannot cause cancer, while the higher-risk ones will need to be treated to prevent cancerous cells from developing. It is estimated that about 80% of HPV infections go away naturally and aren’t detectable in 1 to 2 years, however, your doctor will monitor your cervical health and watch for any changes or abnormalities because the earlier they’re seen, the better. 

Today, we’re talking about the importance of cervical cancer screenings during pregnancy and addressing these safety concerns.

Cervical cancer during pregnancy

Cervical cancer is uncommon during pregnancy, and only around 1-3% of cases are diagnosed during pregnancy or postpartum.

Most women diagnosed during pregnancy have early-stage disease and research so far suggests that cervical cancers diagnosed during pregnancy don’t grow more quickly and aren’t more likely to spread than cervical cancers in women who are not pregnant. However, it is important to speak to your doctor about cervical screenings and get them during pregnancy if they are advised.

How do I know if I need cervical screening?

If you have a cervix, then it’s recommended you get cervical screening on a regular basis. Women are born with a cervix, but transgender men, non-binary, and intersex people may also have one. Lesbian and bisexual women should also receive screening as HPV infection is still possible through skin-to-skin contact.

Unfortunately discrimination, health insurance policies, and fear of negative experiences can lead people to delay routine medical care, such as routine cervical screenings. For more support on this, people of the LGBTQ+ community can go to the LGBTQ Foundation for more information on navigating cervical screening tests. 

Lastly, if you’ve had a hysterectomy with your cervix removed and have no previous history of cervical cancers or abnormalities, you likely don’t need regular pap smears, but this is something to consult with your doctor on as everyone is different.

The importance of regular cervical cancer screenings during pregnancy

During pregnancy, you might feel wary about cervical cancer screenings and pap smears, but pregnancy is also a time when your body is undergoing many changes and a time when it's important to prioritize your health and the health of baby. This includes getting regular cervical cancer screenings.

So, is it safe for pregnant women to get a Pap test? The short answer is yes, it is generally safe for pregnant women to get a Pap test. The Pap test itself is a simple and quick procedure that is usually not painful. However, if you have any concerns or discomfort during the test, be sure to let your healthcare provider know and they can discuss any worries with you before you begin the test.

The Pap test, also known as a Pap smear, is the most common screening method for cervical cancer. Cervical screenings don’t actually test for cancer, but they can help prevent it by catching abnormal cells or human papillomavirus (HPV) before they turn into something more serious.

There are a few precautions that may be taken during a Pap test for pregnant women. For example, your healthcare provider may use a smaller speculum (the instrument used to hold open the vagina) or may avoid doing a bimanual examination (palpating the uterus and ovaries through the abdomen and vagina).

It's important for pregnant women to get regular Pap tests, as cervical cancer can have an impact on your pregnancy and delivery. Some potential complications include:

• Preterm labor

• Hemorrhaging during delivery

• Tearing or breaking of the tumor during delivery

• Delayed treatment

• Cancer can spread to other areas of the body

• Risk of embolism

If abnormalities are found on a Pap test during pregnancy, further testing and treatment may be needed. Your healthcare provider will discuss the best options for you and your baby.

In addition to the Pap test, there are other tests that can be used to detect cervical cancer, including the HPV test, which looks for the virus that can cause cervical cancer, and the colposcopy, which is a procedure that uses a special microscope to examine the cervix.

Here’s everything you need to know about cervical screenings before, during, and after pregnancy.

The impact of cervical cancer screenings on fertility

Cervical screenings should only serve to benefit your chances of getting pregnant because it helps you and your healthcare professional better understand your cervical health and the possible presence of infections. If STIs are left unmanaged it could affect your ability to conceive, but HPV alone isn’t believed to cause fertility problems. However, some types of HPV can increase the risk of cervical cancer which may, in turn, impact fertility.

Treatments for HPV could cause issues like a change in cervical mucus, weakened cervix, or stenosis (when the opening of the cervix narrows which may make it more difficult for sperm to fertilize an egg). People previously thought the HPV vaccine was linked to infertility, but that theory has been fully refuted by evidence showing the HPV vaccine can actually improve fertility by preventing cervical cancers from forming. Just another reason why early action and prevention are so important to your overall health!

Reducing your risk of cervical cancer during pregnancy

You've probably heard that the HPV vaccine is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancers -- as up to 93% of cervical cancers can be prevented by proper screenings and the HPV vaccine. However, it is not recommended for women to receive the HPV vaccine while pregnant. But there are still things you can do at this time! We're sharing 5 things you need to know about reducing your risk of cervical cancer or promoting early detection, even while pregnant:

1. Your family's history is so valuable

Understanding your family's reproductive health history is a great way to advocate for your own health in pregnancy if you have access to this information. It can help you and your doctor to understand your risk of things like cervical cancer, which can aid with early detection.

2. You can get cervical screenings while pregnant

One of the most common screening methods for cervical cancer is a Pap smear. This procedure is generally considered safe for you and baby in pregnancy.

3. Increased fruit & veg intake can help!

It sounds simple -- and hopefully it's already something you're doing while pregnant -- but a study of nearly 300,000 women found that increased intake of fruits and veg is correlated with a decreased risk in cervical cancers.

4. Safe sex while you're expecting is still important for limiting your exposure to HPV

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, meaning if you touch HPV with your hand it is possible to spread it to the genitals touched by the same hand. Using condoms, dental dams, or other protective measures are great ways to keep both partners safe. Keep in mind that HPV does not only appear in the genitals but can also be found in the mouth and anus. Unfortunately, there is not a test for men currently, so physical examination for warts and skin abnormalities is the only way for a male partner to be informed of their potential HPV status.

5. If you do smoke, let this be another sign to make efforts to quit

Smoking is a big risk factor for… a lot of things, and those risks extend to your baby while pregnant. It increases your risk for many diseases and cancers, including cervical cancer, as women who smoke are more than 2x as likely to develop cervical cancer. If you’re having trouble quitting, here are some resources we hope can help:

• How To Quit Smoking - CDC

• Stop Smoking Services - NHS

• Step-by-Step How To Quit Smoking - Australian Government

Spread the word about Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

Cervical cancer is a serious disease, but it can be prevented in some cases. By getting regular screenings, getting the HPV vaccine, practicing safe sex, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can help reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

This Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to educate yourself and the people in your life about the importance of early detection and prevention, especially during pregnancy. Encourage loved ones to get screened and to take steps to reduce their risk of this disease. Together, we can work to reduce the impact of cervical cancer on our communities.

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