Women’s Health Week – What You Need to Know About Cervical Cancer
Women’s Health Week is May 12 – 18, making this a crucial time to talk about a major health issue affecting women globally: cervical cancer. Despite medical progress, this disease still affects women of all ages. That’s why awareness and prevention are so important. Understanding these aspects can give women control over their health, helping them make smart choices about screenings and vaccinations, and help to save lives.
What is Cervical Cancer and What Causes it?
Cervical cancer is a cancer that forms at the lower end of the uterus. Most cervical cancers are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), the most spread sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people get the virus at some point in their lives. Most people’s bodies will naturally fight off the virus, but for those who can’t fight it off, HPV can lead to health issues like cervical cancer later in life. The good news is, cervical cancer is preventable and treatable if caught early.
How Can I Lower My Risk of Cervical Cancer?
First, get regular Papanicolaou (Pap) screens/tests. According to the CDC, only 66% of women over the age of 18 have had a Pap test in the past three years. Pap tests are covered by private insurance and Medicaid/AHCCCS and are the best way to diagnose any problems.
Second, get the HPV vaccine if possible. It is safe and very effective at reducing the risk of getting HPV-caused cancers later in life. The CDC estimates that around 90% of cervical cancer cases could be prevented by the HPV vaccine.
How Often Do I Need a Pap Test?
It used to be that Pap tests were recommended every year. With what we know now about HPV and cervical cancer risk factors, that recommendation has changed. The new recommendation for people also being tested for HPV is every three years for people aged 21-29, and every five years for people 30-65.
Who Can Get HPV Vaccines?
Typically, the three-dose HPV vaccine is recommended for males and females around age 11 or 12. We wrote all about the HPV vaccine here!
Schedule an appointment today to discuss your cervical health and take proactive steps towards prevention.
