Hey, ladies! Are you taking steps to prevent cervical cancer?
Though cervical cancer most often occurs in women over 30, all women are at ask. So, what can you do to help reduce your risk?
The most important step you can take for yourself is to begin routine cervical screening tests at age 21. The two types of tests available are pap tests, also known as pap smears, and HPV (human papillomavirus, the virus that causes genital warts) tests. An HPV test may not be indicated in every testing scenario, so make sure to ask your provider about when this test is indicated.
The purpose of the Pap test is to detect changes within the cells of the cervix that could become cervical cancer if not appropriately treated. The HPV test detects the human papillomavirus that can cause these cell changes.
Another approach to prevention is to receive the HPV vaccine. The vaccine can help protect you from the types of HPV that lead to cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancers.
Learn more from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention online at www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/prevention.htm, or from the National Cervical Cancer Coalition at www.nccc-online.org/cervical-health-awareness-month.
