Cervical Health Awareness Month 2023: How to Prevent Cervical Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. Cancer is always named for the part of the body where it starts, even if it spreads to other body parts later. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the upper part of the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant.

Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer. It occurs most often in people 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 women 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.

This diagram shows different parts of a woman’s reproductive system.

What is cervical cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains

Learn more about cervical cancer from Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist Kristina Butler, M.D., M.S.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer.

When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.

You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.

Cervical Cancer

Causes of Cervical Cancer

The most common cause is the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Roughly 99% of cervical cancers are caused by this sexually transmitted infection. The most common strains of the virus, HPV 16 and HPV 18, are responsible for approximately 70% of all cases of the disease. Approximately, 14 million new HPV infections are detected each year, and although some do clear up, infections that persist can lead to serious health problems. 

Tobacco use can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body.

How HPV Vaccination Can Prevent Cervical Cancer

The HPV vaccines can help prevent infection from both high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer, and low-risk types that cause genital warts. It must be given in three doses, and can protect against four HPV types: the two most common high-risk strains, HPV 16 and 18; and the two most common low-risk types, HPV 6 and 11. Ideally, the vaccine should be given before one becomes sexually active.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved 3 HPV vaccines. The first was Gardasil, which was approved in 2006 to protect against HPV 16 and HPV 18. In 2009, the FDA approved Ceravix, and a third vaccine, Gardasil 9, was approved in 2014. Gardasil 9 has shown to be 97% effective in preventing cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer, and protecting against additional types of high risk HPV strains.

The CDC recommends that all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine at age 11 or 12, as the vaccine produces a stronger immune response when taken during the preteen years. For this reason, up until age 14, only 2 doses of the vaccine are required. For those 15 and older, a full 3 dose series is needed. The vaccine is available for all males and females through age 45.

The most important things you can do to help prevent cervical cancer are to get vaccinated against HPV, have regular screening tests, and go back to the doctor if your screening test results are not normal. Read more

How Pap Tests for Dysplasia Can Reveal Cervical Cancer Risk

Cervical cancer often starts as a precancerous condition called dysplasia, which involves the development of abnormal cells on the cervix. These abnormal cells are detected through a Pap test (also known as a pap smear), in which cells are collected from the cervix and examined for abnormalities.

If left undetected, dysplasia can turn into cervical cancer. Many women may not suspect cervical cancer until it has become advanced or metastasizes, which stresses the importance of annual Pap tests even more:

• All women 21 and older should receive regular exams and screenings, including an annual pelvic exam and a periodic Pap test.
• Women 21 to 29 years of age should receive a Pap test every 3 years, as long as their results remain normal.
• Women 30 to 65 years old should receive a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years, as long as their results remain normal. Alternatively, women 30 and over may opt for just a Pap test every 3 years.   

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Symptoms of cervical cancer may not show up until the cancer is advanced. The symptoms usually include:

Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Unusual discharge
Menstrual cycles that last longer, or have a heavier flow than usual
Bleeding after menopause
It’s important to keep in mind that the warning signs of cervical cancer may be scarce. Often, the disease doesn’t cause pain or other obvious warning signs until the later stages. Women who suspect a problem should not ignore their symptoms and seek a medical evaluation.

Female Reproductive System

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