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Each year in the United States, more than 12,000 women find out they have cervical cancer. Previously, cervical cancer was the top cause of cancer death in American women. That number has sharply decreased over the last four decades however, due to improved screening and increased availability of the HPV vaccine.
Pap smears catch most cervical cancers before symptoms develop. In fact, Pap smears lead to diagnosis of precancerous changes more often than actual cervical cancers. Early detection is lifesaving because symptoms often don’t develop until cancer has grown and invaded surrounding tissues.
The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include:
These symptoms are the same as many other gynecologic conditions. See your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Cervical cancer almost always results from human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV is a widespread sexually transmitted disease. About 80 percent of the sexually active U.S. population has it at some point in their lives.
Fortunately, there is an effective HPV vaccine, which has reduced the number of new cases. Today, the HPV vaccine makes cervical cancer preventable.
In addition, having HPV does not guarantee that you will have cervical cancer. The majority of women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer.
It is possible to get cervical cancer without contracting HPV, but this is unlikely.
There are three different types of cervical cancer:
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In addition to HPV, there are a few other risk factors for cervical cancer. These factors can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, especially in people who also have an HPV diagnosis:
Lifestyle factors, such as eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables and being overweight, may also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
The easiest way to prevent cervical cancer is to complete the HPV vaccine series, also known as Gardasil.
The HPV vaccine requires several doses given on a timeline, typically beginning at the age of 11 or 12. Although the first dose can be given as late as 25, the vaccine is more effective when given to younger girls. When these steps are completed, the vaccine is almost 100 percent effective against the common HPV infection types responsible for 90 percent of all cases.
You can also reduce your chances of getting HPV by practicing safe sex or abstinence.
Secondly, make sure you attend all your recommended screenings and physical check-ups on schedule.. If you do develop precancerous changes in your cervix, your doctor will often be able to identify these changes before they become invasive cancer.
Other steps you can take to reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other cancers include:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.