Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Fall 2019

SkyLakes.org | LIVE smart 7 4 facts to know A little knowledge can go a long way in the fight against cervical cancer. Each of these four facts can help protect you from a cancer that strikes about 12,000 women in the U.S. every year. 1 Human papillomavirus (HPV) is to blame for most cases of cervical cancer. But a vaccine can help prevent this sexually transmitted infection. Experts recommend that most people get vaccinated at age 11 or 12. But if you’re 45 or younger and never had the HPV vaccine, or didn’t get all the necessary HPV shots, The 411 on Pap tests The Pap test only takes a few minutes to perform, and it could save your life. So don’t put it off. The Pap test takes a sample of cells from the cervix to look for any abnormal changes. Sometimes abnormal cells can lead to cancer. The Pap test helps find those cells early, which may prevent cancer. The test can also help detect cancer at an early stage, when it is easier to treat. Women should have Pap tests starting at age 21. After that: ▸ ▸ Most women younger than 30 should have a Pap test every three years. ▸ ▸ Most women ages 30 to 65 should have co- testing with a Pap test and a test for the human papillomavirus (HPV) every five years. You can have just a Pap test once every three years if HPV testing is not available. ▸ ▸ Women older than 65 may be able to stop having Pap tests. But check with your doctor to get the OK before you stop. Women with certain risk factors may need more frequent tests. Talk to your doctor to see what’s best for your situation. Also, talk to your doctor about screening if you’ve had a hysterectomy. The reason will determine if you need a Pap test. Sources: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Office on Women's Health How to help prevent cervical cancer ask your doctor about getting vaccinated. It may still be beneficial. 2 The HPV vaccine doesn’t replace the need for screening tests. These tests include the Pap test and the HPV test, which look for different things. The Pap test checks your cervix for abnormal changes that, if not found and treated, can develop into cervical cancer. The HPV test looks for HPV on a woman’s cervix. 3 The timetable for screening depends on your age and health history. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you. Getting regular Pap tests, starting at 21, helps guard against cervical cancer. (See “Pap tests” story at right.) 4 Take other steps to lower your risk. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables—women who don’t may be at increased risk of cervical cancer. Limit your number of sexual partners. And if you smoke, stop. Women who smoke are twice as likely to get cervical cancer as those who don’t. EARLY DETECTION IS KEY. Learn more under the “Cancer prevention” topic at SkyLakes.org/ HealthLibrary . Sources: American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Office on Women's Health; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force