Most cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It’s a common virus that infects four in five women by the age of 50, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition says. Most HPV infections are transmitted sexually but are cleared by the body naturally. Persistent HPV infection can cause abnormal cervical cell growth and lead to cancer—but it can take 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop.
Routine screening to check cervical health
That’s why screening is important. The two screening tests for cervical cancer are a Pap test (or Pap smear) and an HPV test. The Pap smear tests for the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells on the cervix, which is the opening of the uterus. The HPV test checks for the virus, not cell changes.
Screening guidelines for average-risk women, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force:
- Ages 21 to 29: a Pap test once every three years
- Ages 30 to 65: a Pap test combined with an HPV test once every five years, or a Pap test once every three years.
The CDC says screening should not occur in anyone under 21 or over 65, or who is without a cervix if it was removed for a benign reason.
These screening guidelines do not apply to women with a previous diagnosis of a high-grade precancerous cervical lesion or cervical cancer, women with compromised immune systems (such as being HIV positive), or women who were exposed in utero to DES, a synthetic form of estrogen that once was prescribed to prevent miscarriages.
Vaccination to protect against HPV and prevent cancer
While HPV is common, becoming infected does not have to be a foregone conclusion, especially after the advent of the HPV vaccine for boys and girls in the mid-2000s.
Men who contract HPV can spread the infection to their sexual partners and are at risk of HPV-related health problems, including penile, oral, and anal cancers, according to the CDC.
HPV vaccination timetable
HPV vaccination is recommended for girls and boys at 11 or 12. Women can get the HPV vaccine until they are 27; men can get it until they are 22. Men who have sex with other men or who have weakened immune systems can also get the HPV vaccine until they are 27. The vaccination is a series of shots given over several months.
It’s important for children to be protected against this cancer long before they become old enough to be sexually active.
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. Get a fresh start this year by talking to your medical provider about HPV and cervical health.