I’m still here to observe National Cancer Survivors Month because early detection saves lives

Sonya Engle

Submitted photo

I know that if these advancements had been available for me, my diagnosis would have been faster and my treatment timelier. For me, staying on top of my health care and taking a proactive approach to screening saved my life. Although I’ve been in remission for more than 25 years, my fight against cancer continues.”

As a survivor of cervical and breast cancer, I know firsthand the importance of early detection and treatment. June is National Cancer Survivors Month — a time to increase awareness about women’s health issues that are often overlooked and to empower women to prioritize their well-being in and out of the doctor’s office.

When I was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the early 1990s, detection was still cumbersome and arduous, and getting my results took quite some time. This experience had a significant impact on me, and since then, I have been determined to help improve the road for others who may also face the same diagnosis. While I was able to beat cancer twice, many women are not so lucky.

That’s why I am thrilled by two recent developments in women’s health care that are paving the way for more accessible testing that detects a major cause of cervical cancer, Human Papilloma Virus —  HPV — and provides faster, more accurate results.

In March, the first and only FDA-cleared digital cytology system made its way to Arizona. The system improves cancer cell detection and analysis, with the use of artificial intelligence to help interpret patient cases.

Instead of the traditional, manual microscopic view, slides containing collected cells are fed through a high-capacity slide scanner, which produces high-quality, in-focus images for quick and thorough image analysis by an artificial intelligence algorithm. Detection of pre-cancerous lesions and cervical cancer slides improves significantly with this sensitive screening strategy. 

 Other key benefits of digital cytology include a reduced number of broken or lost slides, no transport of slides needed, remote access for physicians, and an ordered storage system for all images that enhance efficient workflow and processing. All this equates to faster, more accurate results for patients!

This technology is currently available at 12 of Sonora Quest’s laboratories. Sonora Quest is the first lab in Arizona to implement digital cytology and the fifth across the U.S.

In addition to the digital cytology system, we recently launched an HPV self-collection test. HPV is a common infection that causes most cervical cancers and routine screening is essential. In fact, according to the CDC about 50% of new cervical cancer cases occur in people who have never received an HPV test or Pap test, or who were not screened in the five years prior to being diagnosed.

The new self-collection screening is an ideal option for patients who would like to decline or are unable to have a pelvic exam. Some patients may have religious or cultural beliefs, personal preferences, disabilities or medical conditions that limit them from having the exam performed by a health care provider. For now, the option to self-collect a vaginal sample for HPV testing must be done in a health care setting and is available by requesting it from a physician.

It is my hope that by increasing the options for screening with HPV self-collection tests, more people will be encouraged to begin screening and to follow recommended screening guidelines. Although the option to self-collect a vaginal sample for HPV testing must currently be done in a health care setting, we hope to extend the option to home collection soon.

I know that if these advancements had been available for me, my diagnosis would have been faster and my treatment timelier. For me, staying on top of my health care and taking a proactive approach to screening saved my life. Although I’ve been in remission for more than 25 years, my fight against cancer continues.

I encourage every woman to continue to put her health first and take advantage of expanded screening options.

For more information about cancer prevention, early detection and resources, visit the American Cancer Society's website or call its 24/7 helpline at 1-800-227-2345. Together, we can ensure cancer gets the fight it deserves.

Editor’s note: Sonya Engle is chief operating officer of Phoenix-based Sonora Quest Laboratories. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.