Prevention and Screening

Prevention. Preventative measures for the most common form of cervical cancer include avoiding exposure to the sexually transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV), quitting smoking and receiving regular screenings (Pap tests) to detect precancerous growth and HPV. Limiting the number of sexual partners, avoiding sex with people who have multiple sexual partners and using condoms (although condoms do not completely protect against HPV) are also highly recommended. Please note that HPV can be present in individuals for years with no visible symptoms. However, vaccines effective against the HPV virus have recently been developed and in the future may greatly reduce the presence of this disease.

Screening. Most advanced cervical cancers are found in women who have not had regular Pap tests. A Pap test is a simple procedure through which the physician gently removes cells from the cervix with a special instrument. All women should begin annual cervical cancer screening at either age 21 or at least 3 years after their first vaginal intercourse. Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal Pap test results in a row should get tested every 2 years. Women 70 years of age and above who have had 3 or more normal Pap tests in a row and no abnormal Pap test results in the last 10 years, or who have had a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus and cervix) for reasons other than cervical cancer may choose to stop having cervical cancer testing. Women who have certain risk factors such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure before birth, HIV infection, a weakened immune system, or a history of cervical cancer should continue to be tested annually.

To schedule a screening test, or to learn more about the HPV vaccine simply ask your primary care physician for a referral or make a self-referral by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI.