Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical Cancer Prevention
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening can prevent many cases from ever developing.
Screening is especially important because it can find precancerous changes in the cervix that can be treated before they become cancer.
Get the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers as well as several other HPV-related cancers. The CDC recommends routine HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12, although vaccination can begin at age 9. Catch-up vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 who was not adequately vaccinated earlier. For some adults ages 27 through 45, HPV vaccination may also be considered after discussing the potential benefits with a healthcare provider. The vaccine works best when it is given before exposure to HPV. It prevents new infections but does not treat an HPV infection that is already present.
How many HPV vaccine doses are needed?
The number of doses depends on the age when vaccination begins and certain health factors. People who begin the HPV vaccine series before age 15 generally receive two doses. People who begin the series at ages 15 through 26 generally receive three doses. Three doses are also recommended for some people with weakened immune systems. Your healthcare provider can tell you whether you have completed the recommended vaccine series.
Get regular cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer screening is also a form of prevention because it can identify high-risk HPV infections and precancerous changes before invasive cancer develops. Screening may include:
An HPV test
A Pap test
Both tests together, called cotesting
Abnormal cervical cells can often be removed or treated before they become cancer. Even if you received the HPV vaccine, you should still follow recommended cervical cancer screening guidelines because the vaccine does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cervical cancer.
Reduce your risk of HPV exposure
HPV is extremely common and spreads through intimate skin-to-skin and sexual contact. Most sexually active people are exposed to HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the immune system clears the infection without causing health problems. You may be able to reduce your chance of HPV exposure by:
Using condoms or other barrier protection
Limiting your number of sexual partners
Avoiding sexual contact with someone who has visible genital warts
Barrier methods can reduce HPV transmission but cannot completely prevent it because HPV can infect skin that is not covered. Having HPV does not mean that you will develop cervical cancer. Cancer usually develops only when a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years.
Avoid smoking
Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer, particularly among people who have a high-risk HPV infection. Tobacco chemicals can damage cervical cells and may make it more difficult for the immune system to clear an HPV infection. If you smoke, quitting can reduce your risk of cervical cancer as well as many other cancers and chronic diseases.
Keep follow-up appointments after an abnormal screening result
An abnormal HPV or Pap test does not mean that you have cervical cancer. However, follow-up is important because some abnormal results indicate changes that could eventually become cancer if they are not monitored or treated. Depending on your results, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Repeat HPV or Pap testing
Colposcopy
Cervical biopsy
Treatment to remove abnormal cells
Following the recommended schedule helps prevent precancerous changes from progressing to invasive cancer.
Know if you are at higher risk
Some people have a higher risk of cervical cancer or may need a different screening schedule. Risk can be higher among people who:
Have a weakened immune system
Have HIV
Have previously had cervical precancer or cervical cancer
Were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth
Have persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type
Smoke
Talk with your healthcare provider about whether you need a personalized prevention and screening plan.
Protecting yourself from cervical cancer
Cervical cancer prevention involves two especially powerful tools: HPV vaccination and regular screening. Vaccination can prevent many HPV infections that cause cervical cancer, while screening can detect infections and abnormal cervical cells before they become invasive cancer. You can further reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco, reducing HPV exposure when possible, and completing any recommended follow-up after an abnormal screening test.