“Take the Test: Not the Risk” HPV and Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer is Preventable!

What is cervical cancer?

Anatomy review

The cervix

Cervix with cancer

We now know what causes cervical cancer! HPV (human papillomavirus )

So how do we tell if a woman has HPV? The HPV test (in conjunction with the Pap)

Protect yourself! Get the right combination of tests Should all women be tested for HPV along with their Pap?

One of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommendations is that: All women age 30 or older Get the HPV test along with a Pap Guidelines

The latest development The FDA recently approved the first vaccine to protect against the most common types of HPV infection

What the vaccine can and cannot do It can: Protect against two (of approximately 13) types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancer -- if you have not yet been exposed through sexual contact It cannot: Provide complete protection * Screening with the Pap and (if you are age 30+) the HPV test is still essential

Take action Stay aware and up-to-date on cancer prevention Ask your nurse or doctor about the HPV test at your next annual visit Share this information with your friends and family

Resources (visit the site’s National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center)