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Preventing Cervical Cancer: New State Policy Opportunities
Women In Government is committed to the elimination of cervical cancer, a preventable disease. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is so widespread that 80 percent of women will contract some form of it before age 50. Many women do not know the cause of cervical cancer, and that it can go undetected unless a woman receives proper screening. The most important thing women can do to protect themselves is to receive appropriate vaccination (against HPV) and screening. |
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What Women Should Know
- Cervical cancer is highly preventable – screening and vaccination are key.
- Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a common virus – human papillomavirus (or "HPV").
- Most women will have HPV, but few will develop cervical cancer.
- Only HPV infections that persists can lead to cancer.
- A Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix that might lead to cancer.
- Using an HPV test with a Pap test in women over 30 can better identify women at risk for cancer.
- An HPV vaccine that prevents 70% of cervical cancers is now available.
- Women should talk to their healthcare providers about the most advanced and appropriate technologies available for cervical cancer screening and immunization.
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