Every Woman Should Know About Cervical Cancer

Did you know?
The top cancers that most often affect women include breast, colorectal, endometrial, lung, cervical, skin, and ovarian cancers.

In January, we recognize Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer is one of the few diseases that are preventable and curable if detected early. Let’s highlight the most important things that every woman should know about cervical cancer.

Am I at risk?

One of the most important risk factors for cervical cancer is chronic infection by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be spread easily through intimate skin contact including vaginal, anal, and oral sex with an infected person. There are different strains of HPV; the “high risk” types 16 and 18 are the most common strains found in cervical cancer.  However, not all infections with HPV type 16 or 18 progress to cancer. “Low risk” types such as HPV 6 and 11 are major causes of genital warts which are skin-colored or pink fleshy growths usually located on the labia or at the opening of the vagina but can also be around or inside the anus.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

• Multiple sexual partners
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Smoking
• Having a mother who took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy
• A personal history of dysplasia (abnormal cells) of the cervix, vulva, or vagina
• Having sex at an early age (younger than 18 years)

Up to 79% of sexually active women contract HPV infection in their lifetime, so the lack of other STIs does not preclude the possibility of an HPV infection.

Did you know?
Black women are more likely to develop cervical cancer and die from it compared to white women.

Can I be vaccinated against HPV?

The HPV vaccines available (Gardasil, Gardasil-9, & Cervarix) protect against infection with the HPV strains that cause genital warts and cervical cancer. These vaccines are given by injection and dosing depends on your age and how healthy your immune system is. The ideal age for HPV vaccination is 11 to 12, but it can be given to everyone (both females and males) ages 9 through 26. “Catch-up” vaccination is recommended for all people up to 26 years of age who have not yet received it. If you are older, do not panic! The vaccine is also FDA-approved for persons aged 27-45 years based on recommendations following an evaluation by your healthcare provider. (Precaution: these vaccines are currently not recommended during pregnancy.)

Studies have shown that the vaccines are approximately 97% effective in preventing cervical cancer and cell changes that could lead to cancer and almost 100% effective in preventing external genital warts. However, the greatest protection from HPV is if you are vaccinated before becoming sexually active since the vaccine does not get rid of an active HPV infection – it prevents, not cures!

When should I get screened?

Cervical cancer can happen at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in women older than 40. Screening includes the Pap test (smear), HPV test, or both and this depends on your age group.

• Women 21 – 29 years should have a Pap test alone every 3 years.
• Women 30 – 65 years have three options for testing:

  1. Pap test alone every 3 years.
  2. Pap test + HPV co-testing every 5 years.
  3. HPV testing alone every 5 years.

• Women older than 65 years may discontinue screening after adequate negative prior screening results.
• Women who have had a hysterectomy may still need screening based on whether or not their cervix was removed or history of abnormal cervical cell changes.

Did you know?
In 2021, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two new immunotherapy drugs for cervical cancer treatment – Keytruda and Tivdak.

So, what’s the next step?

• Get vaccinated
• Use condoms and practice safe sex
• Quit smoking
• Get your cervical cancer screenings done regularly

If you have any questions about your risk for cervical cancer or would like to learn more about the disease, speak to your OBGYN or primary care provider.

Read the latest cervical cancer survivor stories from women across the country HERE.