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Prevention

By Mayo Clinic staff

You can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent HPV infection. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact with any infected part of the body — not just during intercourse. Use a condom every time you have sex in order to reduce your risk of contracting HPV.

In addition to using condoms, the best ways to prevent cervical cancer are to:

  • Delay first intercourse
  • Have fewer sexual partners
  • Avoid smoking

Get vaccinated against HPV
A vaccine called Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV — the virus that causes most cervical cancers. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine vaccination for girls ages 11 and 12, as well as girls and women ages 13 to 26 if they haven't received the vaccine already. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active.

Although the vaccine could prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, it can't prevent infection with every virus that causes cervical cancer. Routine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer remain important.

Have routine Pap tests
Routine Pap tests are the most effective way to detect cervical cancer in the earliest stages. Work with your doctor to determine the best schedule for Pap tests. Current guidelines suggest:

  • An initial Pap test at age 21, or within three years of when you begin having sex, whichever comes first.
  • From ages 21 to 29, a regular Pap test every two to three years.
  • From ages 30 to 69, a regular Pap test every two or three years if you've had three normal Pap tests in a row.
  • From ages 65 to 70 on, you may stop having Pap tests if you've had three or more normal tests in a row and no abnormal results in the last 10 years.

If you're at high risk of cervical cancer, you'll need more frequent Pap tests. If you've had a hysterectomy, talk with your doctor about whether to continue getting Pap tests. If the hysterectomy was done for a noncancerous condition, such as fibroids, you may discontinue routine Pap tests, but not pelvic exams. If the hysterectomy was done for a precancerous or cancerous condition, your vaginal canal still needs to be checked for abnormal changes.

Coping and support
References
  1. Warren JB, et al. Cervical cancer screening and updated Pap guidelines. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2009;36:131.
  2. Molpus KL, et al. Gynecologic cancers. In: Goldman L, et al., eds. Goldman: Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135557788-7/837587224/1492/770.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2805-5..50214-7_9477. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  3. Zell JA, et al. Cancer prevention, screening and early detection. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/135557788-9/837588846/1709/31.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-443-06694-8..50030-0_657. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  4. How is cervical cancer diagnosed? American Cancer Society. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  5. What is cervical cancer? American Cancer Society. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  6. Holschneider CH, et al. Invasive cervical cancer: Management of early stage disease (FIGO IA, IB1, nonbulky IIA) and special circumstances. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  7. Shepherd JH. Conservative surgery for carcinoma of the cervix. Clinical Oncology. 2008;20:395.
  8. Cervical cancer. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/cervical_facts.pdf. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  9. Holschneider CH. Invasive cervical cancer: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  10. Cervical cancer. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/cervical/Patient/page2. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  11. Detailed guide: Cervical cancer treatment options by stage. American Cancer Society. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  12. Holschneider CH, et al. Invasive cervical cancer: Management of stages IB2, bulky IIA, and locally advanced disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  13. The emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis. American Cancer Society. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  14. Pap test. National Women's Health Information Center. http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/pap-test.cfm. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  15. HPV vaccine information for young women. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine-young-women.htm. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  16. Your first gynecologic visit. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. http://www.acog.org/publications/patient_education/bp150.cfm?printerFriendly=yes. Accessed April 30, 2009.
  17. Moynihan TJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 12, 2009.
  18. Cervical cytology screening. Washington, D.C.: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/documents/PB109_Cervical_Cytology_Screening.pdf. Accessed Nov. 20, 2009.

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