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Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention and Control 4770 Buford Hwy, NE MS K-64 Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 Call: 1 (800) CDC-INFO TTY: 1 (888) 232-6348 FAX: (770) 488-4760 E-mail: cdcinfo@cdc.gov Submit a Question Online |
Cervical Cancer Basic InformationRelated Information: Cervical Cancer Screening Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. You are more likely to get HPV if you started having sex at an early age, or if you or your partner have had sex with several others. However, any woman who has ever had sex is at risk for HPV. There are many types of HPV. For most women, HPV will go away on its own; however, if it does not, there is a chance that, over time, it may cause cervical cancer. Two tests can help prevent cervical cancer or find it early:
The Pap test is recommended for all women. Talk with your doctor, nurse, or other health care professional about whether the HPV test is right for you. The most important thing you can do to avoid getting cervical cancer is to have regular Pap tests. Getting the HPV VaccineIf you are 11–26 years old, you can help prevent cervical cancer by getting the HPV vaccine. It protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, and is given in a series of three shots. The vaccine is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. It also can be given to females 13–26 who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. Read CDC's recommendations on the use of the HPV vaccine among United States females aged 9 to 26 years. More Steps to Help Prevent Cervical CancerThese things may also help lower your risk for cervical cancer:
Risk FactorsIn addition to HPV, other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer. They include:
Signs and SymptomsEarly on, cervical cancer usually does not cause signs and symptoms. Advanced cervical cancer may cause bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is not normal for you, such as bleeding after sex. If you have any of these signs, talk to your doctor. They may be caused by something other than cancer, but the only way to know is to see your doctor. TreatmentIf your doctor says that you have cervical cancer, ask to be referred to a gynecologic oncologist—a doctor who has been trained to treat cancers of a woman's reproductive system. This doctor will work with you to create a treatment plan. *HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas that are covered or protected by a latex condom, as well as in areas that are not covered. While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with a lower rate of cervical cancer.
Page last reviewed: March 14, 2008
Page last updated: March 14, 2008 Content source: Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion |
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