Thank you for visiting my web site to find out more about our Ending Cervical Cancer In Our Lifetime initiative.
Cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer found in women. It is a nearly preventable disease, yet 9,700 American women are expected to develop cervical cancer in 2006, and about 3,700 will die from it.
Why? Because they did not understand some basic facts about this disease.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
A virus called the human papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99.7% of all cervical cancer cases. Most sexually active adults will be infected with HPV at some point in their life. HPV causes no symptoms and usually goes away on its own. However, high-risk HPV which stays in the body a period of years can cause cervical cancer.
How Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented?
The surest prevention of HPV, and possibly cervical cancer, is abstinence. Engaging in sexual activity at a young age may also make HPV infection more likely.
If you decide to be sexually active, limit your sexual partners. The number of partners you and your partner have had increases the chance of HPV infection.
If you decide to be sexually active you should also use a condom. Condom use will not fully protect from HPV infection, but a condom will decrease the chance of infection.
Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a new vaccine to prevent infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV). See your doctor to find out if this vaccine is right for you.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When cervical cancer occurs, it is easy to diagnose. A pap test (or smear) is a simple, painless test done in minutes in a doctor's office or clinic. A Pap test may detect abnormal cells in the cervix caused by HPV which precede cervical cancer. Often, there are no early symptoms so women should have pap tests done regularly.
Busy women in today's modern world must make the connection between HPV, Pap testing and avoidance of a nearly preventable cancer. Urge the women in your life to get a Pap test. Pass on the information to friends.
If you think you cannot afford a Pap test, call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636). The CDC will connect you with a program in your state providing free or low-cost Pap testing to low-income, uninsured, and underserved women. Commit to call. Pass the number on to other women in your life.
If you do have cervical cancer, your health care provider will discuss with you the best treatment options. The options available to you will depend on your personal medical condition and situation.
Take Action. Pass it on.
Help us end cervical cancer in our lifetime.
