Cervical Health - We Do Know

Cervical cancer happens when normal cells in the cervix change into cancer cells. Before the cells turn into cancer, abnormal cells develop on the cervix that can be found by a Pap test. Treating the cervix before the abnormal cells become cancerous can prevent cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that is passed from person to person through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. You are more likely to get HPV if you have more than one partner. However, any woman who has ever had genital contact with another person can get HPV. Most women infected with HPV will not get cervical cancer. Pap tests look for changes in the cervical cells that could become cancerous if not treated.

Steps you can take:

Get a Pap test. The best time to get a Pap test is between 10 and 20 days after the first day of your last period. Do not have the test done when you have your period, and don’t use douches, vaginal medicines (unless your doctor tells you to), spermicide foams, creams, or jellies 2 days before your Pap test. Talk to your doctor about how often to get Pap tests.

If you have sex, stay with one partner who only has sex with you. HPV is a group of viruses that can be passed through sexual contact. HPV can cause changes on the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. Using condoms every time you have sex may reduce your chances of getting HPV. HPV can also be passed by skin-to-skin contact with sores or infected genital skin that looks normal.
Ask your doctor about an HPV test. In combination with a Pap test, an HPV test helps detect the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.
Depending on your age, get the HPV vaccine. Scientists have made two vaccines (shots) that help stop certain types of HPV. The vaccines help protect against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccines (called Gardasil and Cervarix) are recommended for females ages 9 to 26. One of these two vaccines is given in three
doses (shots) over a 6-month period. It is very important to get all three doses. Women who are pregnant should not get the HPV vaccine until after the baby is born.
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