ON THIS PAGE: You will find more information about cervical cancer screening, including the risks and benefits of screening. You will also find information on some of the things a woman can do to reduce her risk of developing cervical cancer. Use the menu to view other pages.
Prevention
The Gardasil HPV vaccine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by HPV (see Risk Factors ) for people between the ages of 9 and 45 years old. Gardasil 9 is available in the United States for the prevention of infection with HPV16, HPV18, and 5 other HPV types linked to cancer. Previously there were 2 vaccines available in the United States: Cervarix and original Gardasil. Neither is currently available in the United States. However, these vaccines may continue to be used outside of the United States.
To help prevent cervical cancer, the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that girls receive the HPV vaccine. Talk to a healthcare provider about the proper schedule for vaccination, as it can vary based on many factors, including age and vaccine availability. Learn more about HPV vaccination and the American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations for cervical cancer prevention.
Other steps people can take to help prevent cervical cancer include:
- Delaying the onset of sexual activity until late adolescence or later
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Practice protected sexual relations with condoms and mouth dams
- Avoiding sex with people who have had multiple sexual partners
- Avoid sex with people who obviously have genital warts or other symptoms
- stop smoking
Cervical Cancer Screening Information
Screening is used to detect cancer or abnormalities that may become cancerous before signs or symptoms appear. Scientists have developed, and continue to develop, tests that can be used to detect specific types of cancer in a person before signs or symptoms appear.
The general objectives of cancer detection are the following:
- Reduce the number of people who die from cancer or completely eliminate deaths from cancer.
- Reduce the number of people who develop cancer.
Learn more about the basics of cancer screening.
The following tests and procedures may be used to screen for cervical cancer:
- HPV tests. This test is done on a sample of cells taken from the woman’s cervix, which is the same sample used for the Pap smear (see below). This sample is tested for the HPV strains most commonly associated with cervical cancer. The HPV test can be done alone or combined with a Pap smear. This test can also be done on a sample of cells from a woman’s vagina that she can get herself.
- Pap test. The Pap smear has been the most common test to detect early cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. This test is also called a Pap smear. For the Pap smear, a sample of cells must be obtained from the cervix. It is often done at the same time as a bimanual pelvic exam as part of a gynecologic checkup. A Pap test can be combined with an HPV test.
- Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). VIA is a screening test that can be performed with a few tools and with the naked eye. During VIA, a dilution of white vinegar is applied to the cervix. The health care provider then looks for abnormalities in the cervix, which will turn white when in contact with the vinegar. This screening test is very useful in places where access to medical care is limited.
Cervical cancer screening can be done during an appointment with a primary care doctor or gynecologist. In some places, free or low-cost screening tests may be available.
Screening Recommendations For Cervical Cancer
Different organizations have reviewed the scientific evidence, risks, and benefits of cervical cancer screening. These groups have developed different screening recommendations for women in the United States.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends that all women receive at least 1 HPV test for cervical cancer in their lifetime. Ideally, women ages 25 to 65 should be tested for HPV once every 5 years. Women age 65 and older or those who have had a hysterectomy can stop screening if their HPV test results were mostly negative in the previous 15 years.
Decisions about getting screened for cervical cancer are being made on an increasingly individual basis. At times, screening may be different from the recommendations discussed above due to a variety of factors. These factors include your personal risk factors and your past health. It’s important to talk to your healthcare team or a healthcare professional knowledgeable in cervical cancer screening about how often to get screened and which ones are most appropriate.
You may like to read Causes, risk factors, and prevention of cervical cancer
