4 Vital Facts About Cervical Cancer


Most Popular
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Cervical cancer recently took the spotlight when the FDA approved a "cervical cancer vaccine" called Gardasil, which protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection that causes the majority of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is recommended for girls and women ages 9 through 26. But that doesn't mean 30- and 40-somethings aren't at risk for cervical cancer: Some 80 percent of all women have already contracted HPV. Whether or not you're one of them, here's what you must know.

Most Popular

Cervical cancer usually develops slowly after a longstanding infection with HPV, which is transmitted sexually—via either intercourse, oral sex, or skin-to-skin contact. Even condoms don't provide 100 percent protection. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, but only about 14 or so of them can cause cancer, and these strains produce no symptoms at first, so you won't know if you have an infection. The remaining strains of HPV may cause genital or nongenital warts but won't lead to cancer.

"Most of the time, the body's immune system eliminates the virus on its own," says Debbie Saslow, Ph.D., director of breast and gynecological cancer for the American Cancer Society.

But around age 30 and older, an infection is more likely to persist, though experts aren't sure why. And the longer an HPV infection lingers, the greater the risk it will cause cell changes in the cervix that may lead to cancer.

2. You may benefit from the vaccine.
Gardasil guards against four strains of HPV -- the two that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancer cases, as well as the two strains that cause 90 percent of genital warts. It's most effective when it's given prior to the onset of sexual activity -- before exposure to any of the four types -- which is why it's FDA-approved for girls and young women. Some gynecologists are giving it to patients in their 30s or even 40s, but experts say it's unlikely to help them.

"By the time a woman is in her 20s, she's probably already been exposed to the cancer-causing strains of the virus," says Saslow. (Once you're infected with one strain of HPV, your body builds up immunity, so it's unlikely you'll get re-infected with that same strain.) Talk to your gynecologist about whether you might benefit from the shot -- for instance, if you've had sex with only one guy and are reentering the dating pool. If your doctor offers Gardasil and you can afford it (insurance won't cover the approximate $360 cost if you're over 26), some experts say it can't hurt to get it to be extra safe.

3. Regular Pap tests are still your best protection.


4. Cervical cancer is rarely deadly in this country.
When cervical cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate is around 92 percent, and the risk of recurrence after five years is low. Tell your doctor if you experience any of cervical cancer's symptoms, which include spotting (even a couple of drops) after sex, between periods, or after menopause -- or if you haveabnormal vaginal discharge, or pain in the pelvic region.


More from Redbook: