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Cancer Prevention and Screening |
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What is the cervix?
- The cervix is part of a woman's reproductive organs. The cervix is at the top of the vagina and is the opening to the uterus (womb)
What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common infection in both men and women. There are over 100 different types of HPV
- HPV is passed between two people, mostly through sexual activity, but also by skin-to-skin contact
- Low risk types of HPV can cause warts on the skin and genital areas
- High risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix)
What puts a woman at risk for HPV infection?
- Sexual activity now or in the past - even a woman who has been sexually active once is at risk
- Sexual activity before age 18
- The number of sexual partners (for you or your partner)
What we know about HPV and cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix)
- Being infected with a high risk type of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a cause of cervical cancer; but other factors also need to be present that increase the chance that the virus will persist
- Most women with HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer. Most people with a healthy immune system will clear the HPV infection on their own
- Factors that increase the chance that the HPV infection will persist include:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke
- Having other sexually transmitted infections
- Using the birth control pill for more than five years
- Having more than five full-term pregnancies
- If the HPV infection persists, some high risk types of HPV may cause changes in the cells of the cervix
- Early changes in the cervix can happen without pain or other symptoms
- If not found and treated, abnormal cells in the cervix can develop into cancer
- It can take many years for cervical cancer to develop
- Regular Pap tests can find changes early and prevent cancer of the cervix
What is a Pap test?
- The Pap test is a simple test used to look at the cells of the cervix (opening to the uterus)
- A Pap test can be done by a doctor or nurse
- By having a Pap test, changes in the cervix can be found early and treated before cancer ever develops
- In most cases, abnormal Pap test results do not mean cancer
- If there are changes, it is important to follow up. Your doctor may do the Pap test again or send you to a specialist for treatment
- A Pap test does not check you for other sexually transmitted infections. Talk to your doctor or nurse about other tests you may need
Who needs a Pap test?
- Every woman who is or has ever been sexually active
How often should a Pap test be done?
- Have your first Pap test within three years of initiating sexual activity
- Then have a Pap test every year
- If your tests are normal for three years in a row, Pap tests can be done every two to three years
- Have regular Pap tests until at least age 70
When is the best time to have a Pap test?
- Have a Pap test when you do not have your period
- Do not have sex for 24 hours before the test
- Do not use vaginal medications or douches for 48 hours before the test
How to protect yourself against cervical cancer
- If you have ever been sexually active, have regular Pap tests
- Delay first sexual intercourse until after age 18
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Use condoms to lower your risk
- Avoid tobacco smoke
- Take care of yourself - eat well, be active every day and get enough sleep
- Talk to your doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine
Related links:
Take the time. Get checked for cervical cancer.
For more information call Toronto Health Connection at 416-338-7600.
Last updated August 2010
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