Cervical cancer is cancer that begins in the cells lining the cervix (an organ in the reproductive system of those assigned female at birth that connects the uterus to the vagina). It is highly preventable and is most often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be prevented with a vaccine.
Anyone with a cervix should be screened per recommendations to look for precancerous cervical cells (which can be removed before they become cancer) or to detect cancer early.
If you have a cervix and are of average risk, follow these vaccination and screening guidelines.* You should follow screening recommendations regardless of whether or not you have been vaccinated against HPV:
*Source: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination protects against the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer, and it is most effective if done before a person is exposed to the virus. All young people ages 9–12 should get vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is also recommended for teens and young adults up to age 26 if not fully vaccinated when younger. If the vaccine is given as recommended, it can prevent more than 90% of HPV-related cancers.
Have a Pap test every 3 years.
Have any of these options:
If you’re older than 65, talk with your health care provider about whether you still need to be screened.
If you are at increased risk for cervical cancer because of a suppressed immune system (for example, from HIV infection, organ or stem-cell transplant or long-term steroid use), because you were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) in utero or because you have had cervical cancer or certain precancerous conditions, you may need to be screened differently (varied intervals or additional tests). Follow the recommendations of your health care provider.
This information will help you and your health care provider decide which cancer screenings you need, when to begin screening and how often you should be screened.
Get started (FIX ME)If you have a cervix, you are at increased risk for cervical cancer if you:
You may reduce your risk for cervical cancer through these lifestyle-related modifications:
If you do, quit.
Use a new condom the right way every time you have sex to protect yourself. This does not provide 100% protection.
You should be screened with a Pap test and/or HPV test even if you have been vaccinated against HPV.
Precancerous conditions of the cervix do not usually cause symptoms and are detected only with a pelvic exam and a Pap test or HPV test.
Cervical cancer usually does not show symptoms until later stages. Pelvic exams and Pap or HPV tests are key to early detection.
Talk with your health care provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, the type of tumor cells and your medical condition.
Surgery is one of the most common treatments for cervical cancer. Types of surgery can range from simple trachelectomy (removal of the cervix) to radical hysterectomy (removal of the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, upper vagina and surrounding tissues, and potentially the ovaries and nearby lymph nodes).
This treatment uses high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used alone or in combination with another therapy before or after surgery.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be used alone or in combination with another therapy before or after surgery.
After a cancer diagnosis at 25, Tamika had to navigate living with cervical cancer–and everything that came next.
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