Amanda Lesher’s journey with cervical cancer started from a routine wellness visit at the doctor. Years later, Lesher, a Schaller resident, is speaking out during cervical cancer awareness month this January to share her story and help educate the community on the importance of the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine and regular screenings.
“Don't skip the small stuff because the small stuff can find big stuff,” says Lesher when speaking about the importance of getting the HPV vaccine and yearly screenings for cervical cancer.
A year and a half before her diagnosis, Lesher had given birth to her third child and had regular check-ups throughout her pregnancy with no concerns. At the time of her diagnosis in 2017, Lesher was not experiencing any symptoms that would have prompted her to visit the doctor outside of her yearly wellness visit.
During her annual wellness visit, Lesher’s routine Pap (Papanicolaou) test revealed abnormal cells that led to her being diagnosed with cervical cancer. She was referred to a specialist where she immediately got started on a plan of care.
“Your yearly checks are so important because, if I would have missed that one year check, I probably would be in a completely different position right now,” says Lesher. “It's kind of crazy to think how fast it actually developed with no real warning.”
Ultimately, at just 27 years old, Lesher underwent a radical hysterectomy to remove the cancer cells before it could spread to another part of her body. Thankfully, her surgery was successful, and she did not have to go through radiation or chemotherapy.
Lesher made a full recovery, and although she continues to go back for yearly exams and complete diagnostic imaging at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center, she remains cancer-free.
“I'm so thankful for skilled doctors and for checkups. It is also very important to make sure you are faithful and proactive in your own health journey,” says Lesher.
According to cancer.org, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for women. Cervical cancer is also more frequently diagnosed in people of color and in rural communities.
Rates of cervical cancer deaths have dropped by more than half since the mid-1970s due to an increase in prevention and screening.
The main cause of cervical cancer is HPV, which is a very common virus. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 13 million people become infected with HPV every year.
The HPV vaccine was first used in the early 2000s and remains a safe vaccine that prevents cancers caused by HPV, including cervical cancer. The CDC reports that the HPV vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
Some are unaware that the HPV vaccine is recommended for everyone as HPV can also cause cancers and genital warts for both males and females.
“At my all of my children's well-child checkups, when the HPV shot is an option, they get it,” says Lesher, who is mother to a daughter and two boys. “It is very near and dear to my heart. Even when people are like, ‘your boys got it?’ Yes, absolutely. I will not risk it.”
Even with a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer, many individuals are not fully vaccinated and are at risk of developing cervical cancer in the future. There remains a lack of understanding about the importance of the HPV vaccine and routine exams such as the Pap test because people don’t know these are efforts to prevent cancer.
According to the CDC, the HPV vaccine is recommended for children aged 9-12 and some adults aged 27-45. To complete the HPV vaccine, it is usually given in 2-3 doses 6-12 months apart. A Pap test is recommended for women every 1-3 years, starting when they turn 21.
Talk to your doctor about what is recommended for you and your children to prevent cancer.
