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How do you prevent cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable female cancers, because there is a reliable screening test for it (Pap test) and a vaccine for HPV (which is the cause of almost all cervical cancer). Cervical cancer is also highly curable when found and treated early; that’s why getting a regular Pap test is so important.
In general, the following things may help lower your risk for cervical cancer:
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Get the HPV vaccine. If you are between 11 and 26 years old, you can help prevent most cervical cancers by getting the HPV vaccine. This vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, and is given in a series of three shots. The vaccine is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old, but it also can be given to females who are 13 to 26 years old who did not get any or all of the shots when they were younger. If a member of your family is between 11 and 26 years old, they can prevent cervical cancer by getting the HPV vaccine, too. To learn more about the HPV vaccine, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/hpv/.
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Get regular Pap tests. The Pap test is recommended for all women, and can be done in a doctor's office or clinic. You should start getting regular Pap tests at age 21, or within three years of the first time you have sex—which ever happens first. The Pap test is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available. Also, be sure to follow up with your doctor if your Pap test results are not normal. If a female member of your family is sexually active or at least 21 years old, they should get regular Pap tests to prevent cervical cancer, too. To find more information about cervical cancer screening or to find a free or low-cost Pap test, visit: www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info/screening/.
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Don’t smoke. Quitting smoking will help reduce your risk for cervical cancer, and it will reduce your risk for many other serious diseases. For help quitting smoking, visit: http://1800quitnow.cancer.gov/.
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Use condoms during sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. This will reduce your risk of HPV infection, which can lead to cervical cancer.
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Talk to your doctor about cervical cancer and your overall health. Your doctor can tell you about many other ways to live healthy throughout your lifetime.
Sources:
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
MedlinePlus
National Cancer Institute
Take the cervical cancer quiz.
Disclaimer: the content of this web page is not medical advice. If you are having a medical problem, contact a health care professional. If you are having an emergency, call 911.
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