January is recognized as Cervical Health Month
In February 2023, Jennifer Lovett received a diagnosis that she wasn’t expecting or prepared for. “I was told I had Stage 3 Uterine and Cervical Cancer,” shared Jennifer. “It was devastating because it proved to me that anything can happen at any time.”
For anyone that knows Jennifer, you know that she’s a fighter. “I was treated by Dr. Kirkhart, Holzer Ob/Gyn provider, and she got the ball rolling immediately for my treatment plan. I was set up with an appointment at Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center the following week. In less than a month, I was receiving chemo and radiation at Holzer Center for Cancer Care. We were facing this head-on, and I had the best support system possible.”
January is nationally recognized as Cervical Health Awareness Month. According to the National Cervical Cancer Coalition, each year in the U.S. nearly 14,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and over 4,300 die as a result. Yet cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers today. Early detection is key. Screening with a pap test for females should start at age 21. Starting at age 30, there are three options for screening, a pap test every three years, co-testing with a pap and HPV test every five years, or an HPV test alone every five years.
Cervical cancer is linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause about 90 percent of cervical cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination at ages 11-12 but can start as early as age 9. Starting early is best since up to age 14, only two doses are needed. From ages 15-26, a three-dose series is recommended.
According to the National Cancer Institute, early on, cervical cancer usually doesn’t have symptoms, making it hard to detect. Symptoms usually begin after the cancer has spread. When symptoms of early-stage cervical cancer do occur, they may include: vaginal bleeding after sex, menopause, between periods or periods that are heavier or longer than normal, vaginal discharge that is water, has a strong odor or contains blood, and/or pelvic pain or pain during sex. Symptoms of advanced cervical cancer (cancer has spread beyond the cervix to other parts of the body) may include: difficult or painful bowel movements or bleeding from the rectum when having a bowel movement, difficult or painful urination or blood in the urine, dull backache, swelling of the legs, pain in the abdomen, and feeling tired. These symptoms may be caused by many conditions other than cervical cancer. The only way to know is to make an appointment with your provider.
“I encourage everyone to have their annual screenings and wellness visits,” shared Jennifer. “It’s still surreal that I was diagnosed with cancer. I’m a nurse by profession and it’s my instinct to take care of others first. Going through this experience showed me how important it is to take care of yourself to be able to take care of others. Your health is your wealth.”
Jennifer was able to receive treatments at Holzer Center for Cancer Care in Gallipolis, Ohio. “Holzer was there for me. I can’t put into words what all they did for me. I received numerous cards, donations, was on prayer lists, and had everyone pulling for me. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Holzer.”
As far as advice for others who may be journeying through an unexpected diagnosis, Jennifer shares, “Keep your head up. It’s a long road, rough road. Get up every day. Don’t let your diagnosis get you down. You can do this. Find your why and keep pushing through. For me it was my son, I fought for him.”
Jennifer and her husband, Chris, live in Oak Hill with their son, Caleb. Jennifer is a registered nurse at Holzer Health System and a fitness instructor.
For more information or to make an appointment for annual screenings with a Holzer provider, visit www.holzer.org or call 1-855-4HOLZER.
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