Cervical Health… Make it Part of Your End of the Year Check Up
All women are at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few women will get cervical cancer.
Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
Risk Factors:
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes in a woman’s cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.
HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms so you can’t tell that you have it. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that over time it may cause cervical cancer.
Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer:
• Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems (Immunosuppression).
• Smoking.
• Early onset of sexual activity.
• Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).
• Having given birth to three or more children.
• Having several sexual partners, or a high-risk sexual partner.
The HPV Vaccine is the BEST way to reduce your risk:
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
• HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but can be given starting at age 9.
• HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
• HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.
Yearly HPV Screenings are Important:
The Pap test and the HPV test can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
• The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for precancers, and cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer if they are not treated
appropriately.
• The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.
When to Get Screened:
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
If You Are 30 to 65 Years Old
Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you:
• A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait three years until your next Pap test.
• An HPV test along with the Pap test. This is called co-testing. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait five years until your next screening test.
If You Are Older Than 65
Your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if:
• You have had normal screening test results for several years, or
• You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
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