HPV and Cervical Cancer

GOOD TO KNOW:

Cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide

• cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in women thanks to the PAP smear and many advances in screening since its introduction yet, it remains the 4th most common cancer in women worldwide due to lack of access to screening

-Rates have decreased significantly in countries where screening is readily available

• HPV infection is the most common cause of abnormal Pap smears (pre-cancer) and cervical cancer. There are many types of HPV-like a family of viruses-, each identified by a number. Some cause warts, which are benign (not cancer causing), and many others which are associated with cervical cancer risk.

-Preventative measures, including HPV vaccination, routine screenings, and healthy lifestyles (no smoking!), significantly reduce risks.

-new Pap smear screening guidelines (every 3-5 years) are confusing. This does not mean you should not see your gynecologist! It just means you don’t need a Pap smear every year. But the annual visit can be valuable to discuss other issues such as contraception, fertility, pregnancy planning, your periods, get tested for STD’s and more.

WHAT CAN YOU DO:

-See your gynecologist regularly (annually) even if you are not due for a Pap smear

-Get the HPV vaccination which is approved for boys/girls and men and women from ages 9-45

-Practice safe sex-contraception for pregnancy prevention and condoms for both pregnancy prevention AND to protect against STD’s (HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphillis, HPV)

-follow through with your doctors’ recommendations if you have an abnormal Pap smear

-don’t smoke