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Cervical Cancer Early Detection Can Save Your Life Incidence Of Cervical Cancer Every year in the United States: • Over 19,000 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer. • Over 4,000 women will die of cervical cancer. What Is The Cervix (ser-vix)? The cervix is one of the female organs. What Is Cervical Cancer? The easiest female cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow-up when indicated. What Causes Cervical Cancer? HPV (human papillomavirus) is the main cause of cervical cancer. What Is HPV? • HPV stands for human papillomavirus. • It is a very common virus. • Some of the types of HPV can cause changes on the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. • HPV can also cause changes that lead to genital warts in men and women as well as other types of cancer (oral, anal, penile, vaginal, vulvar). How Do You Get HPV? • Is transmitted by skin-to skin genital contact. • Can be spread by vaginal, anal and oral sex. • Most infected persons do not realize they are infected or that they are passing the virus to a sex partner. How Common Is HPV? • At least 50 to 70 percent of sexually active men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. • They may never have symptoms or problems. • In most cases, the body fights off HPV naturally and the infected cells then go back to normal. Can I Get Treated For HPV? • There is no treatment for HPV itself. • Usually the body’s immune system will fight off the HPV infection. • There are treatments for the health problems caused by HPV such as genital warts, cervical changes and cervical cancer. Is There A Test For HPV? • Yes, there is a test for HPV on the cervix. • Ask your healthcare provider if an HPV test is recommended for you based on your personal health history. What Is A Pap Test? Cells are collected from the surface of your cervix by a healthcare provider during the exam. A Pap test can find changes in the cells of the cervix before you have symptoms or notice a problem. When Do I Need My First Pap Test? • All women should start having Pap tests at age 21. How Often Do Women Under The Age Of 30 Need A Pap Test? • Every three years. How Often Do Women 30 And Older Need A Pap Test? • Every three years with a Pap test alone. • Every five years with a Pap test combined with a HPV test. What Happens If I Have Abnormal Pap Test Results? If your Pap test results are abnormal, you may need a Pap test more frequently until your healthcare provider recommends going back to regular screening. What Happens If I Have Abnormal Pap Test Results? • Your healthcare provider may suggest that you: – have additional procedures to determine the severity of the cell changes. – have some type of treatment to remove the abnormal cells. Do I Still Need A Pap Test If I Am Done Having Children? Yes, because you can still develop changes in your cervix. If I Have A High-Risk HPV, Does It Mean I Have Cervical Cancer? • No! • Remember an HPV infection usually goes away on its own. The body fights off HPV naturally and the infected cells then go back to normal. • If the HPV infection does not go away, it can result in abnormal changes in the cervical cells. How Do I Lower My Risk Of Getting Cervical Cancer? • An HPV vaccine is available for females and males ages 9 to 26. • Limit your number of sexual partners. • Use condoms during sex. • See your healthcare providers regularly for Pap tests. Who Is At Risk For Cervical Cancer? • Women who do not have Pap tests. • Women who do not follow-up with testing or treatment after an abnormal Pap test, as recommended by their healthcare provider. • Women who have persistent HPV. • Women who smoke. Most Cervical Cancers Can Be Prevented • Cervical cancer is very rare in women who get regular Pap tests • Take time to take care of yourself so you can be there for your children and grandchildren Take Control Of Your Health! • Make an appointment to get a Pap test today. • Tell your friends to get a Pap test. • Utilize available resources to assist with covering the costs of Pap tests. Women’s Way May Provide A Way To Pay Women’s Way is North Dakota’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Call 800.44 WOMEN (800.449.6636) www.ndhealth.gov/womensway Family Planning Program • Provides reproductive health care services such as Pap tests, clinical breast exams and HPV testing. • Fee for services is on a sliding scale according to your income. • For more information call 701.328.2228. • www.ndhealth.gov/familyplanning. References • American Cancer Society • National Cancer Institute • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • Women’s Way • North Dakota Family Planning Program Local Contact Information • • • • Organization Name: Presenter: Phone: E-mail: