Please ask your health care provider for additional information and personal recommendations.

What causes Cervical Cancer?
    Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by long-term infection, and reoccurrence with certain types of the human papillomavirus- HPV.  There are four types of HPV that account for 80% of cervical cancer cases. HPV 16, 18, as well as HPV 45 and 31. The additional 20% of cases are accounted for by 11 other strains of HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Sexual contact with skin on skin contact, digits, mouth, and anus can lead to HPV infection. You can still catch HPV if you are a virgin.  

If you have HPV, does it mean you will develop Cervical Cancer?
 No, most women who have the HPV infection will have it temporarily and will not have any symptoms. When your HPV infection is persistent you are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Most women will have HPV once in their lifetime.  Greater than 70% of the US population has HPV.

How can I prevent others and myself from getting Cervical Cancer?
    Regular Pap Test screenings, HPV tests and HPV vaccination are the three main ways to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

Can a Pap test detect Cervical Cancer?
    Yes, A Pap test is designed to detect cancerous changes in a woman’s cervix. Pap Tests have significantly reduced cervical cancer rates. You should always talk with your health care provider about your risk of HPV infection and Cervical Cancer. Women over 30 years old are recommended to get the HPV test.

What is the HPV Test?
    The HPV test is a DNA test designed to identify certain strains of HPV infection, and can help identify women at risk for developing cervical cancer. Like the Pap test, cells are taken from the cervix to determine whether the HPV virus that causes cervical cancer is present. It is primarily recommended for women over 30.

What is the HPV vaccination, and who can get it?
    The HPV vaccine is a vaccination that protects girls and young women, (approved for ages 9-26) from infection from HPV 18 and 16. These two HPV types cause 70% of all cervical cancers. The vaccine is a three shot series, which will be administered within a 6-month period.

Do we need both screening and vaccination?
    Yes, a woman will need to get an annual Pap test beginning at age 18, or by recommendation of her health care provider. The HPV vaccine does not protect woman who have already been infected with the HPV virus, and therefore requires regular Pap tests to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer. The HPV DNA test is also available (and covered by insurance) for women over 30 and at the recommendation of their doctor when used in combination with a negative pap test may reduce the frequency of subsequent screenings.

References: www.globalwomen.com, American Cancer Society.: Cervical cancer prevention and early detection, GSK.com, and Gardisal.com

What can you do to Eradicate Cervical Cancer?

Education: women, media and governments about the link between HPV and cervical cancer and our ability to prevent HPV infection.

Screening: all women, even post-menopause

Prevention Vaccinate 9-26 year girls and young women against HPV.