January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Cervical cancer affects thousands of Americans each year, but it’s something you can prevent. Stay healthy by:
* Getting vaccinated
* Having regular preventive tests or screenings
* Practicing safe sex
Preventive tests and screenings are offered at no additional cost to eligible Fidelis Care members.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer occurs when unusual cells in the cervix — the lower part of the uterus, or the womb — grow out of control. Most cases are linked to infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Who Can Get Cervical Cancer?
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. It’s most common in women ages 30–50, but can occur in people younger and older.
Am I at Risk?
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. But you may be at higher risk if:
- You’ve had HPV infection before.
- You smoke.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- You haven’t had regular screening, through an HPV test or Pap smear.
- You began having sex early or have more than one partner.
How Can I Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Vaccination:
The HPV vaccine is your best protection.
The best time for a person to get the vaccine is before they have sex for the first time.
Both boys and girls ages 11 to 12 should get the vaccine. (Boys cannot get cervical cancer. But they can get an HPV infection that puts them at risk for other cancers.)
The vaccine is usually given to people ages 9 to 26. (If you are between 26 and 45, talk to your healthcare provider about whether the vaccine is a good option for you.)
Preventive tests and screenings:
An HPV test or a Pap smear can catch changes in your cervix before cancer appears. The type of test you get and how often you get it will depend on your age and your risk of getting cancer.
In general, if you are healthy, start cervical cancer screening from age 21 to 29, and repeat a Pap smear every three years.
If you are ages 30 to 65, you can:
- Get a Pap smear every three years, OR
- Get a test for HPV every five years, OR
- Get both the pap smear and HPV every five years.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the option that’s best for you.
Even if you’re vaccinated, you still need to be tested. The vaccine works well but does not cover every HPV type.
Lifestyle Tips:
- Avoid smoking.
- Practice safe sex, like using condoms.
How Do I Know If I Have Cervical Cancer?
Regular HPV testing or Pap smears can catch changes in your cervix before cancer develops. This can allow you to get early treatment and get healthy faster.
Early detection = simpler treatment + better health.
DID YOU KNOW?
| Ask your healthcare provider if you are eligible to use a self-collection kit. |
A sample of fluid from your vagina is needed to test for HPV and cervical cancer. In the past, a healthcare provider had to take the sample from a patient. But self-collection kits now let women collect the fluid on their own, in a health clinic or at their own home, to be sent to a lab for testing. A healthcare provider must order the kit.
Watch for symptoms:
- Unexpected bleeding – between periods, after sex, or post-menopause
- Unusual discharge
- Pain in your pelvic area below your stomach and above your legs
- Pain during sex
What Should I Do to Get Vaccinated or Schedule a Screening Test?
Contact your healthcare provider today. If you’re a Fidelis Care member, you can also call 1-888-FIDELIS (1-888-343-3547), TTY: 711. We can help you make an appointment.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
https://www.cdc.gov/cervical-cancer https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/cervical_facts.pdf
National Cancer Institute:
https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/causes-risk-prevention
American Cancer Society:
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/cervical-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/cervical-cancer-screening-guidelines.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-and-hpv-testing/self-collection.html