Cervical Cancer Prevention

What is the cervix? The cervix is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus (womb) where it joins with the top end of the vagina.

What is cervical cancer? NormalCancerous

Cervical Cancer: These are the facts!  Eighth leading cause of death in the United States  Risk increases with age  Caused by a virus, called human papilloma virus (HPV)  HPV can infect a female’s cervix when she has sex or has skin to skin contact with someone who is infected with HPV  In Georgia, about 130 women will die this year  Highly curable if detected early

 Delay sex until adulthood.  Know your sex partner  Avoid having more than one sex partner  Use condoms when having sex  Get the HPV vaccine if you are 9-26 years old  Have regular Pap tests  Stop smoking Encourage other women in your life (mother, daughters, aunts, friends) to get pap tests too Here are a few things you can do to reduce your risk.

Encourage other women in your life to …. What are a few things you can do to reduce your risk?

What is a Pap Test?  A screening that checks for changes in cells of the cervix (opening of the womb) that could lead to cancer  Takes less than one or two minutes  Make sure you are not having your monthly period  Do not have sex or put anything into the vagina for two days before the test.  Cells are put onto a slide and sent to a laboratory to be examined

Georgia Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program: Help for those who can not afford a screening Requirements:  Legal resident of Georgia  Have no insurance  Certain children 18 and younger  Women aged 50 – 64 years of age  Have an income at or below the 200% federal poverty level  Check with your local health department

Your Plan for Cervical Health!  At age 21 or three years after first sexual experience, begin annual Pap tests and annual pelvic exams.  Practice abstinence (no sex) until adulthood and limit the number of sexual partners. Use condoms correctly for every act of sex. If you are between the ages of 9-26 get the HPV vaccine.

What is the HPV Vaccine?  It is the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts caused by HPV.  It works by protecting against the 4 types of HPV that most commonly cause these diseases.  The vaccine is given in 3 doses over 6 months.

Who should get the HPV Vaccine?  Doctors recommend the vaccine for their female patients at the yr old visit, along with their other teen vaccines; it is licensed for age 9-26  Ideally, girls/women should be given this vaccine before their first sexual contact.

Is the HPV Vaccine Effective?  The vaccine is very effective (close to 100%)  It is highly effective in preventing the 4 most common types of HPV in young women who have not been previously exposed to them  HPV vaccine can reduce the number of cervical cancer cases by up to 70%!!!  The vaccine will not treat existing HPV infections nor will they protect against other HPV types not included in the vaccine

Will the girls/women who have had the HPV vaccine still need a Pap test? Yes! Regular Pap tests are recommended for all women starting within 3 years of when a girl/woman begins sexual activity or turns 21, whichever comes first.

Is condom protection necessary after I receive the HPV Vaccine? YES! The HPV Vaccine will not protect against other STD’s

Is the HPV Vaccine Safe ? YES!  The vaccine has been licensed as safe by the FDA.  Vaccine studied in thousands of girls & women in US and world  The most common side effect is soreness in the arm where the shot is given

Should pregnant women receive the HPV vaccine? NO! Pregnant women should wait to complete their pregnancy before getting the HPV vaccine.

Where Can I Get the Vaccine?  Your local Health Department  Most Pediatricians  Some Family Practitioners & Gynecologists

How do I pay for the vaccine?  Many health insurances cover all or most of the cost  If your health insurance doesn’t cover the HPV Vaccine or  If you do not have insurance, you may qualify for Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

VFC provides Free Vaccines to Children 18 years old and younger:  Uninsured  Underinsured for specific vaccine  Medicaid or Peachcare eligible  American Indian  Alaska Native  Up to $14 administration fee

How long will protection last?  Scientists have studied this vaccine since Dec  As with all vaccines, medical scientists will continue to study this vaccine as long as it exists.  If it is determined a Booster shot is needed, it will be widely publicized.

Now is the time to protect our health... “Buddies for Life!”

For More Information On-line go to: Your County Health Dept Street and City Local Phone #