Consider the following statistics, provided by the American Cancer Society:

• 11,070 women will be told that they have invasive cervical cancer this year 3,870 women diagnosed with cervical cancer will die this year
• Women of Hispanic or African-American descent are at higher risk than white women to develop cervical cancer
• About half of the women diagnosed with cervical cancer are 30 to 55 years of age
• All women diagnosed with cervical cancer have had HPV infection at some point in their life
• Throughout the world, cervical cancer is still the second-highest cancer killer for women
• In the last 50 years, regular pap testing has decreased deaths from cervical cancer by an incredible 74%

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include unusual vaginal discharge, unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting, bleeding or pain associated with intercourse, and bleeding after menopause. The Pap test has the ability to detect precancerous cells in the cervix, allowing for early treatment and cure. Cervical cancer can be prevented through regular screening. Women should start having regular Pap smears by the age of 21, or when they have been sexually active for 3 years, whichever comes first.

What about the cervical cancer vaccine? Gardasil, the cervical cancer vaccine, protects women against HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, which is known to cause 70% of cervical cancers. HPV is a family of viruses that can cause genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as a host of other problems. The virus is spread through sexual contact and intercourse.

Even if you are one of many who have had the vaccine to prevent HPV, you still need to have regular Pap smears, as the vaccine only protects against 70% of the HPV viruses that are known to cause cancer. Pap smears are still your best bet for early detection of cervical cancer. Another reason to have a yearly exam is that doctors will also examine the ovaries through an internal exam, as well as question you about unusual symptoms or pain. A breast exam is often done at the same time. Your yearly exam is a good time for you to discuss any concerns you may be having.

Related Links:

Understanding HPV from illumistream

Cervical Cancer: Screening and Testing from the National Cancer Institute

Cervical Cancer Screening from the CDC