Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

header-title-decorationCervical Cancer Screening and Prevention

female-reproductive-system

What is Cervical Cancer? Cervical cancer is cancer in the cervix.  The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

How does it happen? It happens when the cells in the cervix grow in an abnormal way. It is something that happens slowly and can become cancer.

Protect Yourself Against Cervical Cancer

  1. Get Cervical Cancer Screening – These checkups help find cells that may not be growing normally. They also help find cancer early when it is easier to treat and cure.
  2. Get the HPV Vaccine – The human papillomavirus or HPV causes most types of cervical cancer. Help stop HPV by getting vaccinated if you are between the ages 9-26.
  3. Don’t Smoke – Quitting smoking or never starting lowers your risk of cervical cancer.

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Cervical Cancer Screening

  • There are two main screenings or tests that help find cervical cancer early or even stop it before it starts.
    • HPV Test – It looks for the HPV viruses that can cause cervical cancer.
    • Pap Test (Pap Smear) – It looks for early cell changes or pre-cancer cells in the cervix that could become cancer if it is not treated.

In both, cells from the cervix are sent to the lab for testing. If your results are not normal, you may be sent to a specialist. This helps you get the tests or treatment you may need as soon as possible.

  • When to get tested:
    • Ages 21-30: Get a Pap test every 3 years
    • Ages 30-65: Get an HPV test every 5 year
  • Some People May Need More Frequent Testing. Talk to your doctor if:
    • You have HIV
    • You have an autoimmune disease like lupus
    • You were exposed to a drug called DES (Diethylstilbestrol)
  • Some People May NOT Need Testing. Talk to you doctor if:
    • You are over 65 and test results were normal for many years
    • You’ve had your cervix removed for non-cancer conditions

Call your clinic to make your Pap and HPV screening appointments.

Prevent Cervical Cancer with the HPV Vaccine

The human papillomavirus or HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The human papillomavirus or HPV is a virus that can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine helps protect you from the types of HPV that often cause cancer. It also helps prevent warts in your private areas.

  • When to get the HPV vaccine:
    • All pre-teens ages 9-12.
    • Teens and adults ages 13-26 who are unvaccinated, or who do not have all their doses.
    • Adults ages 27-45 may benefit from vaccination. Talk to your doctor so see if its right for you.

Click Here to call your clinic and schedule your HPV vaccine.