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Cervical cancer is cancer that starts in the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb)
that opens at the top of the vagina.
There is a lot you can do to decrease your chance of having cervical cancer. Also, tests done by your
health care provider can find early changes that may lead to cancer or find cervical cancer in the early
stages.
Lifestyle and safer sex habits
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV (human papilloma virus).
HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. The virus causes genital warts.
Certain types of HPV are more likely to lead to cervical cancer. These are called high-risk types of
HPV.
HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms.
Practicing safer sex can help reduce your risk of getting HPV and cervical cancer:
Always use male and female condoms. But be aware that condoms cannot fully protect you. This is
because the virus or warts can also be on the nearby skin.
Do not get involved with partners who take part in high-risk sexual activities.
Not smoking also makes a difference. Cigarette smoking increases the risk of getting cervical
cancer.
It is best for girls to receive the vaccine by age 11 or before becoming sexually active. However,
girls and younger women who are already sexually active can still be protected by the vaccine.
Pap Smears
Cervical cancer usually develops slowly. It starts as precancer changes called dysplasia. Dysplasia can be
detected by a medical test called a Pap smear.
Dysplasia is 100% treatable. This is why it is important for women to get regular Pap smears.
Pap smear screening should start at age 21. After the first test:
Women ages 30 through 65 should be screened with either a Pap smear every 3 years or a Pap
smear and HPV test every 5 years.
If you or your sexual partner has other new partners, you should have a Pap smear every 3 years.
Women ages 65 through 70 can stop having Pap smears as long as they have had three negative
tests within the past 10 years.
Women who have been treated for precancer (cervical dysplasia) should continue to have Pap
smears for 20 years after treatment or until age 65, whichever is longer.
Talk with your health care provider about how often you should have a Pap smear.
pregnant women: however research has shown no significant effect on you or your baby if you have
the vaccine and later find out you are pregnant
people with a bleeding disorder: they should talk to their doctor before having any vaccine
people with previous anaphylaxis (serious allergy) to the vaccine or any of the vaccine ingredients.
Parents should note reactions to any previous vaccination or medicine on the consent form when they
return it to their child's school.
If you're having the vaccine, make sure you tell the person giving you the injection about any reactions
you've had to vaccines or medicine before.