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Cervical cancer 101 with Houston Moms

In honor of cervical cancer awareness month, which is recognized every January, OBGYN Dr. Marisol Carpio-Solis took some time out of her schedule to talk through the disease with our partners at Houston Moms about the disease.

Impacting the lower part of the uterus known as the cervix, cervical cancer is screened through a pap smear. The routine test, which is carried out on a sample of cells from the cervix, checks for abnormalities that may be indicative of cervical cancer.  

If a reading comes back abnormal or showing signs of cancer, a colposcopy is done to make a formal diagnosis.

Early stages of the disease often have no telling signs or symptoms, but individuals with advanced cases may experience abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain. 

Over 97% of cervical cancer cases stem from the human papilloma virus (HPV), so vaccination against the disease is urged in both male and female individuals ages 9 to 45.  

Health care providers follow the recommended number of vaccine doses, based on the individual's age:  

  • Individuals between the ages of 9-14: two shots  
  • Individuals who are 15 years of age or older: three shots 

Should someone be diagnosed with cervical cancer, treatment options will vary. Sometimes it’s curable with a hysterectomy; other times chemotherapy and radiation are required. 

To learn more, watch the full discussion.  

RSV immunizations - a chat with Houston Moms

Pediatrician Dr. Manuela Murray joined Meagan Clanahan, co-owner of Houston Moms, to discuss the recently approved RSV immunizations for babies. 

During the conversation, the women discussed: 

  • Who is eligible for the immunizations
  • Why this development is so important for families with babies
  • How this injection differs from the maternal RSV vaccine

    To learn more, watch the full video interview. 

Back-to-school immunizations

Before sending the kiddos back to school, UTMB pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam recommends checking in with your child's health care provider to ensure they are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations.

Below is a breakdown of routine immunizations administered throughout various stages of childhood and development. Additionally, Dr. Elam reminds parents that regular vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu are also available, with most clinics normally offering flu shots at the beginning of September. For the COVID-19 vaccines, she advises parents and guardians talk to their family's health care provider for the most up-to-date information about what's available to them.

Typical pre-K and Kinder vaccinations

  • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough "pertussis")
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)

Typical 6th or 7th grade vaccinations

  • Tdap (booster of the DTaP originally administered before the age of 7)
  • HPV
  • Meningitis
 

Typical vaccinations for 16-year-olds

  • Meningitis booster (to support original dosage from middle school)
  • Group B Meningitis

A more  detailed breakdown of vaccinations throughout childhood is available in a previous blog post.

For more information on children's health and wellness measures--including care options -- visit the UTMB Health Pediatrics page.

Dr. Lee Elam on vaccinations

View Dr. Lee Elams profile

Dr. Lee Elam is happy to serve her hometown of Lake Jackson

UTMB Health Pediatric Primary Care, Lake Jackson clinic.

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