Preventing Cervical Cancer

Preventing Cervical Cancer

Unlike many forms of cancer, most cervical cancer can be prevented. The HPV vaccine, released in 2006, protects vaccinated women from being infected with HPV, reducing the risk of cervical cancer. In addition, simple screening tests allow physicians to identify and treat abnormal cervical cells, reducing the chance of a pre-cancer turning into a cancer.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine is safe and effective at preventing both HPV infection and cervical cancer. A recent study showed that cases of cervical cancer have decreased significantly in vaccinated individuals.

Many children now receive the HPV vaccine as part of their childhood schedule of vaccinations. The vaccine is given around the age of twelve. If a patient is younger than 15, they may require only two doses of the vaccine. Patients older than 15 receive three doses. There is no need for HPV booster shots later in life.

Unvaccinated individuals over 26 years old who are concerned about cervical cancer and HPV should talk to their physician to help decide if they could still benefit from the vaccine. The FDA approved the HPV vaccine for adults up to age 45, but it is best to discuss the benefits with your physician since the vaccine provides less protection to patients who are sexually active. In some cases, it is a very good option for adults hoping to lessen their cancer risk.

The vaccine is important for both boys and girls, as HPV is also known to cause other forms of cancer that can impact men. These include head and neck cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer.

Screening exams for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is slow-growing. Consequently, if you undergo regular screening exams, your physicians are more likely to catch abnormal cells before they turn into cancer. The two most common forms of screening include an HPV test and/or a Pap test.

To perform an HPV test and/or Pap test, your ob-gyn will use a tiny brush to collect a sample of cells from your cervix. The exam can be uncomfortable, but it is over quickly. Some patients might experience minor vaginal spotting after the exam. This is normal and should not last long.

Your cells will be sent away to a laboratory, where a cytopathologist will check to see if any of the cells are infected with one of the strains of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. If the pathologist is running a Pap test, they will also inspect the cells carefully for signs of abnormality that could indicate cervical cancer or pre-cancer.

If your screening exams suggest that you might have precancerous lesions or cervical cancer, you will be referred for additional testing.

When should I start getting screened for cervical cancer?

 Women are advised to begin regular screenings for cervical cancer in their early 20s:

  • Pap test screenings begin at age 21
  • HPV test screenings begin at age 25

How often should I get screened for cervical cancer?

Screenings are the best way to find cervical cancer in its early stages, so getting checked regularly is important. The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical pathology (ASCCP) recommends that:

  • Every three years get a Pap test
  • Every five years combine your Pap and HPV tests (starting at age 30)

Women who are 25 and up will begin getting screened for cervical cancer on a semi-regular basis. Your doctor can help you keep track of when you need to have screenings as they do not need to be done annually, in most cases. Women over 65 who have always had normal Pap test and HPV test results do not need to be screened for cervical cancer.