Human PapillomaVirus
Cervical cancer and HPV
It is estimated that 14,100 women get and ~4,000 women die from cervical cancer every year.1 Despite the effectiveness of screening, more than 8 million women in the U.S. weren’t screened as recommended in the past five years.2
What is HPV
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus passed from one person to another during sex.2 It’s so common, in fact, that most sexually active people—more than 80%—will contract HPV at some point in their lives.1 Fortunately, most cases of HPV clear up on their own in about two years. But when it doesn’t go away on its own, it can cause a host of problems, including cervical, vaginal, anal and other cancers.1
Fortunately, there are ways to protect yourself from HPV, like correct condom use and taking advantage of safe and effective HPV vaccines.
Did you know?
The number one cause of cervical cancer is a commonly transmitted virus that may not show any symptoms at all? Or that regular Pap and HPV testing can detect cervical cancers early?
Cervical cancer testing saves lives4
There are several tests available to screen for cervical cancer. Ask your healthcare provider which cervical cancer screening tests are right for you.
- The Pap test (or Pap smear) detects cell changes that are likely to become cancerous if left untreated. It can also detect early stages of cervical cancer so that you can seek treatment when it’s most effective. If you are between 21 and 29, Pap testing alone is recommended every three years
- Pap + HPV testing combines Pap screening with HPV assay. This combination testing is recommended every five years for women between 30 and 65
Cervical cancer is preventable4
Early detection, paired with the right prevention measures, can help you prevent cervical cancer.
- Attend your annual well-care visits and get Pap testing as recommended by your healthcare provider
- Follow up with your doctor if your test results are not normal
- Get the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination helps prevent infection with the human papillomavirus types that cause most cervical cancers
- Get your adolescent sons and daughters vaccinated against HPV to help prevent cervical and other cancers
- Women who are vaccinated against HPV still need regular Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer
- Quit smoking
- Use condoms during sex
- Limit your number of sexual partners
Supporting your sexual health through education and testing
Anyone who is sexually active can get an STI. If you’ve had unprotected sex, have a new partner (or more than one partner), or for any reason are worried you have been exposed to an STI, talk to your healthcare provider about getting tested. While some providers might include STI tests as part of a regular check-up, others don’t test for any STIs unless you ask them to—so make sure to ask!
References:
- National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Facts About HPV for Adults https://www.nfid.org/infectious-diseases/facts-about-human-papillomavirus-hpv-for-adults/. Accessed March 19, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer is Preventable. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/cervical-cancer/index.html. Accessed March 19, 2022.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV Infection fact sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Accessed April 22, 2019
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Prevent Cervical Cancer, January 11, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/cervical-cancer/index.html. Accessed March 19, 2022.