Cervical Cancer Awareness

Do you know the symptoms of cervical cancer? Often, there aren’t any.

 

Cervical Cancer Screenings

Women with cervical cancer in its early stages may have no symptoms. That’s why regular screening is so important. Screening offers the best chance to find cancer early when treatment can be most successful. Screening may even prevent cervical cancer by finding abnormal cells before they become cancerous. 
 

Screening Facts

  • 93% of cervical cancers are preventable through regular screenings. 
  • Two screening tests are used to prevent and detect cervical cancer. 

The Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer. 


The HPV test looks for the virus (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes.

Who Should be Screened

  • Cervical cancer screening should begin at age 25
  • Women 25 to 65 should have a HPV test every five years OR a co-test (HPV and Pap test combined) every five years OR a Pap test alone every three years

Talk to Your Doctor

Talk to your doctor about your risk for cervical cancer and if you should be screened. If you don’t have a doctor, call (805) 270-2513 or visit dignityhealth.org/ourdoctors and we’ll help you find one.


Have questions about cancer prevention or cancer screening?


Call an Oncology Nurse Navigator