Cervical cancer is a disease in which cells in the cervix grow out of control. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows during pregnancy.
Any woman with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in women over age 30. Long-lasting infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. At least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will get cervical cancer.
Screening tests and the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and associated with long survival and good quality of life.
Screening options
You should start getting Pap tests at age 21. If your Pap test result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 3 years until your next Pap test.
If you’re 30 to 65 years old, you have three options. Talk to your doctor about which testing option is right for you.
- An HPV test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 5 years until your next screening test.
- An HPV test along with the Pap test. If both of your results are normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 5 years until your next screening test.
- A Pap test only. If your result is normal, your doctor may tell you that you can wait 3 years until your next Pap test.
If you’re older than 65, your doctor may tell you that you don’t need to be screened anymore if:
- You have had normal screening test results for several years and you have not had a cervical precancer in the past.
- You have had your cervix removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids.
HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.
- HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given starting at age 9.
- HPV vaccine also is recommended for everyone through age 26 years, if they are not vaccinated already.
- HPV vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults aged 27 to 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the
HPV vaccine—after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit, as more people have already been exposed to HPV.
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections, but it does not treat existing infections or diseases. This is why the HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV. You should get screened for cervical cancer regularly, even if you received an HPV vaccine.