FAST FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER

Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if women are screened regularly with a test called the Pap test.

Any woman who has a cervix can get cervical cancer, especially if she or her sexual partner has had sex with several other partners.

Most often, cervical cancer develops in women aged 40 or older.

Abnormal cells in the cervix and cervical cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first. That's why getting tested for cervical cancer is important, even if there are no symptoms.

When it is found early and treated, cervical cancer is highly curable.

Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular checkups with the Pap test.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

Research has found several factors that may affect a person's risk of developing cervical cancer.

1. Infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
2. A high number of sexual partners.
3. Many full-term pregnancies.
4. Use of oral contraceptives.
5. Infrequent Pap tests and cervical examinations.
6. Smoking.
7. Diet low in fruits and vegetables.

Reducing Risk of Cervical Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Although the majority of these infections cause no symptoms and go away on their own, persistent genital HPV infection can cause cervical cancer in females.

In June 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a vaccine for HPV for females 9 to 26 years of age to prevent cervical cancer caused by HPV. Further, CDC's National Immunization Program (NIP) and the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have recommended the use of the HPV vaccine. In support of the FDA, CDC's NIP, and ACIP, CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control offers the following statement about HPV and cervical cancer:

Regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) is recommended for all women (starting within 3 years of when a woman begins sexual activity or at age 21, whichever comes first).

HPV vaccination for girls and women aged 9–26 is supported.

HPV vaccination for women aged 27 or older is not supported.

All women receiving the HPV vaccine should continue to receive regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests) according to established screening recommendations.

Note: HPV vaccination does not substitute for routine cervical cancer screening (Pap tests). This vaccine is not intended to treat cervical cancers. For information about cervical cancer, visit Basic Information about Cervical Cancer. To learn more about cervical cancer screening and Pap tests, visit Cervical Cancer Screening Pap Test.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) offers free or low-cost Pap tests. To find out if you qualify, call your local program.

In March 2007, CDC released recommendations of the ACIP about the use of the new quadrivalent HPV vaccine in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). These recommendations represent the first statement by the ACIP on the use of the HPV vaccine licensed by the U.S. FDA on June 8, 2006. The report summarizes the epidemiology of HPV and associated diseases, describes the licensed HPV vaccine, uses National Program of Cancer Registriesand SEER data to characterize the burden of HPV-associated cancers, and provides recommendations for vaccination of females aged 9–26 years in the United States. More specific information and recommendations about the HPV vaccine are available from the ACIP.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause changes in the cervix. Cervical infection with HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.

Other Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

While an HPV infection is needed to develop cervical cancer, other factors increase a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. A woman can best protect herself from cervical cancer by limiting her number of sexual partners

Getting screened regularly with a Pap test (The Pap test can detect precursors of cervical cancer or cervical cancer at an early stage, when the chance of being cured is very high. The most important thing you can do to avoid getting cervical cancer is to have Pap tests regularly.)

Following up any abnormal Pap test results as recommended by her health care provider
Not smoking cigarettes

*information from cdc.gov

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

CERVICAL CANCER

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the body grow out of control. When these abnormal cells are present in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer, or cancer of the cervix. As the drawing shows, the cervix is the lower, narrower part of the uterus. The uterus is also known as the womb. The upper part of the uterus is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. The cervix connects the upper part of the uterus to the vagina (the birth canal).

Diagram of the female genital tract depicting fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vaginaA Pap test is a procedure in which cells are scraped from the cervix and examined under a microscope. It is used to detect cancer or changes that may lead to cancer. A Pap test can also show noncancerous conditions, such as infection or inflammation.

Getting regular Pap tests can save a woman's life. Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if precancerous cervical lesions are found by a Pap test and treated. Invasive cervical cancer can usually be cured if it is found early through regular Pap tests and treated promptly. About half of the women in the United States who develop cervical cancer have never had a Pap test. Regular Pap tests decrease a woman's risk for developing cervical cancer because they can detect precancerous cervical lesions at early, treatable stages.

Cervical cancer was once the leading cause of cancer death for women in the United States. However, during the past four decades, incidence and mortality have declined significantly, primarily because of the widespread use of the Papanicolaou (Pap) test to detect cervical abnormalities. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends screening for cervical cancer in women who have been sexually active and have a cervix. Nonetheless, approximately half of the cervical cancers currently diagnosed in the United States are in women who have never received a Pap test, and an additional 10 percent occur in women who have not been screened within the past 5 years.