This document provides information about cervical cancer including:
- It is caused by persistent HPV infection and is the most common cancer in women where Pap tests are unavailable.
- Risk factors include multiple sexual partners, young age of first intercourse, and smoking.
- Screening through regular Pap tests can prevent most cervical cancers by detecting pre-cancerous changes early.
- If abnormal cells are detected, a colposcopy and biopsy may be performed for diagnosis.
- Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy depending on the stage of cancer.
- Getting vaccinated against HPV and practicing safe sex can help prevent cervical cancer.
3. •500,000 women worldwide die of cervical cancer
annually
•12,200 new cervical cancers diagnosed in the
U.S. per year
•4,100 deaths from cervical cancer in the U.S. per
year
Most cervical cancer can be prevented
4. It is a cancer of the female reproductive
tract
It is the most common cause of cancer
death in the world where Pap tests are not
available
It is the easiest gynecologic cancer to
prevent through screening
Types
Two cell types present (squamous and
glandular)
Cervical cancers tend to occur where the two
cell types meet
5. The central cause of cervical
cancer is a virus.
This virus is called HPV (human
papillomavirus).
human papillomavirus or HPV:
HPV is sexually transmitted
The HPV detected today could have
been acquired years ago
6. NO!
In most cases HPV goes away
Only women with persistent HPV (where the virus does not go away)
are at risk for cervical cancer
How common Is HPV?
Most men and women who have had sex have been exposed to HPV
More than 75% of sexually active women tested have been exposed
to HPV by
age 18-22
8. Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a
promiscuous partner
History of sexually transmitted disease (STD)
Sexual intercourse at a young age (before age 18)
Not using condoms with new partners
Sexual partner's previous partner had cervical cancer or
abnormal cervical cells.
Sexual partner has or had cancer of the penis.
Women who smoke
9. Age
Race
Poor diet, and other infections.
Abnormal Pap smear.
Previous genital or vaginal cancer.
Cigarette smoking.
Immune defenses are low (e.g., transplants,
taking immunosuppressive drugs, or AIDS.
Mother took DES when pregnant with the
patient.
10. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (e.g., spotting after
sexual intercourse, bleeding between menstrual
periods, increased menstrual bleeding).
Abnormal (yellow, odorous) vaginal discharge,
often of a yellow or green color and foul smelling.
Low back pain
Cervical Pain, noted when a tampon, finger or penis
is inserted into the vagina.
Painful sexual intercourse
Painful urination is seen with advancing disease
Some women have no symptoms at all.
14. A visual examination of
the surface of the cervix
using a colposcope- an
instrument with
magnifying lenses and a
light.
If abnormalities are seen, a
tissue sample (biopsy) may be
taken and sent for evaluation.
15. May feel like getting a Pap test or like a
menstrual cramp that lasts a few
seconds
16. When do I need my first Pap test?
Three years after the onset of sexual
intercourse
No later than age 21
How often do I need a Pap test?
Every year until age 30
After age 30, if you have only had normal
results, you may have them every two to
three years after discussion with your
physician and evaluation of your risk
factors
17. I feel fine, so why do I need a Pap test?
A Pap test can find treatable changes of the cervix
(precancer) before you have a symptom or notice a problem
Once a problem is symptomatic, it is harder
to treat
Why do I need to keep getting tested?
Changes (abnormalities) may occur since the last test
It may take many years for changes to develop or be detected
Your risk changes if you have new partners
It is the easiest gynecologic cancer to prevent through screening
18. What is the best time to have a Pap test?
Schedule your Pap when you are not having a
menstrual period
It is best to abstain from intercourse and avoid use
of tampons or douches for two days before your
Pap test
If you have an abnormal result, it is extremely important to follow-up for the
recommended testing
Even after a normal Pap test, it is still important to report any symptoms of
abnormal vaginal bleeding, discharge or pain to your doctor and call to be
seen right away
19. Is there an age when I can stop having
Pap tests?
The American Cancer Society recommends
that screening stop at age 70, if three or
more recent tests are normal, and there
have been no abnormal results in the last 10
years.
20.
21. Who should be vaccinated and when?
To be most effective, the HPV vaccine should be given before a female
has any type of sexual contact with another person. It is given in a series
of 3 doses within 6 months. Here are the recommendations for each age
group:
girls ages 11 to 12
The vaccine should be given to girls ages 11 to 12 and as early as age 9.
girls ages 13 to 18
Girls ages 13 to 18 who have not yet started the vaccine series or who
have started but have not completed the series should be vaccinated.
young women ages 19 to 26
Some authorities recommend vaccination of women ages 19 to 26, but
the American Cancer Society experts believed that there was not enough
evidence of the benefit to recommend vaccinating all women in this age
group. It is recommended that women ages 19 to 26 talk to their
doctors about whether to get the vaccine based on their risk of previous
HPV exposure and potential benefit from the vaccine
22. What are the benefits of the vaccine?
The vaccine will prevent the 2 types of HPV that cause most
cervical cancers (about 70%) and the 2 types of HPV that
cause most genital warts (about 90%), but only in women who
have not already been exposed to these types of HPV. It also
helps prevent vulvar and vaginal cancers related to these 2
types of HPV. The vaccine will not prevent HPV in women who
have already had these HPV types.
People who get vaccinated will still need Pap tests because
the vaccine will not prevent all types of HPV that can cause
cervical cancer.
23. Delay onset of sexual activity
Know your sexual partner
Do not smoke
Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle
Practice safe sex
Get your Pap test
25. HPV is Uncommon
Cervical Cancer Only Occurs in Developing Countries
Mostly Promiscuous Women Get Cervical Cancer
If You Have HPV, You Will Develop Cervical Cancer
Condoms Provide 100% Protection Against HPV
Older Women Don't Need Pap Smears
I'm too young to worry about cervical cancer
I had the HPV vaccine, so I don't need to use
condoms during sex….
