Cervical Cancer Awareness and Screenings
Posted on December 20, 2019
Cervical cancer begins as cell changes on a woman’s cervix. It occurs most commonly in women over 30 years of age. Most cases of cervical cancer can be attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common virus spread through sex.
The fact that all women are at risk for cervical cancer may sound startling. However, what is reassuring
is that cervical cancer is preventable. There are screening tests available to catch it early and a vaccine
to prevent HPV infections.
Screenings
Having regular screening tests starting at age 21 can help to find cervical cancer early. When cervical
cancer is found early, it is highly treatable.
Two screening tests are available and can be done in a doctor’s office or clinic:
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) looks for pre-cancers, which are cell changes on the cervix that
might become cervical cancer. Most cases of cervical cancer are found in women who haven’t
had regular Pap tests. - The HPV test looks for the human papillomavirus, which can cause cell changes.
Learn more at cdc.gov/cancer/cervical. Then, talk to your doctor about what screening is right for you.
(Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
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