According to the CDC, 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) are diagnosed and about 4,000 women die of this cancer in the US every single year.
But you can take 3 steps to reduce your risk of cervical cancer!
- Don’t smoke – tobacco use will increase your risk, so if you smoke, try to quit
- Use protection – reduce your chance of getting an STI by using condoms
- Get screened for HPV (the number one cause of cervical cancer)
Cervical Cancer Statistics | Cervical Cancer | CDC
So, what is HPV?
HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. This virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It is believed that almost everyone who is sexually active has probably had the virus at some point in their lives.
Typically, you come into contact with HPV soon after becoming sexually active. But don’t panic because many people will clear the virus without any treatment!
Ask The Experts About Vaccines: HPV (Human Papillomavirus) | Immunize.org
There are many different strains of HPV. Some are higher risk and can cause cervical cancer. Some strains are lower risk and unlikely to cause cancer. The low-risk strains can be the cause of genital warts.
How do I get screened for HPV?
HPV testing is done when you get a Pap smear. Because the virus is so common among young people, current guidelines recommend starting Pap smears at age 21 or 25 (depending on the organization). You should check with your women’s health provider to see if you are up to date.
Did you know you can be vaccinated against cervical cancer?
As a mom, you have probably heard about the HPV vaccine (also called the Gardasil vaccine) for your child. But did you know that YOU might be able to get the vaccine too?
When the vaccine was first being offered, it was mostly for people under age 26. However, new data shows it could be beneficial for people up to age 45!
As a women’s health provider, I recommend the vaccine to patients all the time and find a lot of women are shocked to hear this.
A Cancer Vaccine? HPV Vaccine Could Eliminate 6 Types Of Cancer
How is the vaccine given?
It is recommended to get two doses of the vaccine if you start it before turning 15. People who get the first shot after turning 15 will need three doses in total. The second shot is typically given 1-2 months after the first, and then the third dose is given 5 months later. So, in total, it can take an adult 6 months to finish the series.
If a person got one or two shots but never went back for their third dose, they can still get it!
You don’t need to repeat the whole thing. You can just pick up where you left off.
Why hasn’t this been recommended before?
Since people usually come into contact with HPV not long after becoming sexually active, getting the vaccine later in life might not be super helpful. It’s best to get the vaccine before ever having sex, which is why it is recommended for young teens/pre-teens.
But experts believe the vaccine is safe for people between the ages of 27 to 45. And if you haven’t been vaccinated for HPV at all or if you didn’t get all the doses, you could be at risk of a new HPV infection. If you are at risk, then the vaccine might be helpful for you!
Does the vaccine work?
The data shows this vaccine is preventing 80-90% of cancer cases.
The vaccine prevents cancer!
Study: HPV Vaccine Has Prevented Thousands of Cancer Cases
If I’ve been vaccinated, do I still need testing?
Yes! Even if you had all your vaccines, you should still follow the test recommendations. While the vaccine is doing a great job of preventing cancers, there is still a chance you could have one of the many different strains of HPV.
I’ve had HPV on my Pap before, should I get vaccinated?
The vaccine won’t cure HPV, and it’s not being used to treat an infection. But even if you have tested positive for HPV in the past, you might still be able to get the vaccine. Of course, you should always talk to your healthcare provider about your specific situation.
The HPV vaccine prevents cancer. It continues to be underutilized : Shots – Health News : NPR
Albuquerque area women’s health providers:
Planned Parenthood (Eubank office) – 4630 Eubank Blvd NE, 87111
Bosque Women’s Care – 6801 Jefferson St NE, Suite 350, 87109
Women’s Specialists – (multiple locations) 4640 Jefferson Lane NE 87109 / 1001 Coal Ave SE 87106 / 6320 Riverside Plaza Lane NW Suite A 87120
Dar A Luz Birth Center – 7708 4th St NW, Low Ranchos De Albuquerque 87107
Presbyterian OBGYN services – (multiple locations) 6100 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste 450, 87109
Lovelace OBGYN services – 4705 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 301, 87109
UNM Center for Reproductive Health – 2301 Yale Blvd SE Ste E1 87106
UNM Women’s Health Clinic – 2130 Eubank Blvd NE 87112
