Cervical Cancer Screening and Prevention
Methods
In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a new vaccine to prevent infection from HPV. The vaccine provides protection against HPV strains that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. It is safe and effective for females ages 9 to 26. The vaccine is most effective when given before the patient is exposed to the virus. That's why it is important that you talk to a healthcare professional to determine if you or your daughter are a candidate to receive the vaccine.
The American Cancer Society has created additional
guidelines on early detection and prevention
of cervical cancer. They are as follows:
- All women should be tested for cervical cancer when they reach 21 years of age, or three years after they first start having vaginal intercourse.
- Beginning at age 30, patients who have had three normal consecutive Pap tests may get screened every two to three years. Women with risk factors for cervical cancer, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), should continue to be tested annually.
- Women over age 30, without cervical cancer risk factors, may choose to have a Pap test every three years in conjunction with an HPV test, which determines whether the patient has HPV.
- Women age 70 or older who have had three normal, consecutive Pap tests and no abnormal results in the past 10 years may choose to stop being screened for cervical cancer unless they have a history of cervical cancer or risk factors for the condition.
- Patients who have had a total hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix) may also choose to stop being screened for cervical cancer, unless the hysterectomy was performed because of cervical cancer or a precancerous lesion (i.e. dysplasia).
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