Cervical Cancer Can be Prevented

• Before a woman develops cervical cancer, the cells in her cervix will start to change.  Those cell changes can be found by a Pap test.
• In most cases, cell changes that are found early can be treated and cervical cancer can be prevented. Cervical cancer can also be treated successfully if it is caught in the early stages.
• An HPV vaccine is also available for girls and women ages 9 - 26.  It helps prevent some types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

What Every Woman Should Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer

What is HPV?

• HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus.
• There are over 100 different types of HPV and about 30 of them can be passed from person to person through sexual contact.
• HPV infection may cause no symptoms at all.  Many people with HPV do not know they have it.

HPV Can Cause Cerivical Cancer

• HPV's are the major cause of cervical cancer in women.
• Most women who have HPV will not develop cervical cancer.  For a small number of women, the virus will cause cell changes that can lead to cancer.

About Pap Tests and Cervical Cancer Screening:

• Pap tests (Pap smears) look for cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. They are generally done at the same time a woman gets her annual pelvic exam.
• Women should begin getting Pap tests three years after they begin baving sex or by age 21- whichever comes first.
• You should be tested every one to three years, or as often as is recommended by your health care provider.
• There is also an HPV DNA test that is recommended for some women over age 30.  It may be used as part of cervical cancer screening.

What Else Can You do to Protect Yourself?

Talk to your health care provider about the HPV vaccine.  You can also lower your risk by:

• Being abstinent (not having sex).
• Limiting the number of sex partners you have.
• Choosing only to have sex with one uninfected person who is having sex with only you.
• Using latex condoms for vaginal, anal and oral sex.  Condoms provide some protection from HPV but because the virus can be passed by contact with parts of the skin not covered by the condom, they will not provide complete protection.
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit.  Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervical cancer as women who do not smoke.
• HIV infection is also a risk factor for cervical cancer because it affects your immune system's ability to fight off HPV.  If you have HIV, talk to your health care provider about your risk and what you can do to stay healthier.

Pap Tests are Very Important

• All women need to get regular Pap tests.
• By getting Pap tests regularly, your health care provider can find and treat early cell changes before they become cancer.
• You should start getting Pap tests three years after starting to have sex, or by age 21.  You should continue getting Pap tests throughout your life or until your health care provider says that you no longer need them.