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Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is one of the more preventable cancers out there. A well-proven way to help prevent cervical cancer is to get screened regularly.

Preventing Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer was once one of the most common forms of cancer death among women in the United States. Today, cervical cancer is largely preventable through advanced screening methods and vaccinations.

Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer

There are clear steps you can take to greatly decrease your chance of developing cervical cancer. These include:

  • Getting screened. Screening tests like the Pap smear and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test can detect pre-cancerous cells before they mutate and become invasive. Should cancer be detected, treatment can be issued earlier, often making it more successful.
  • Getting the HPV Vaccine. It is recommended that children ages 9–12 get vaccinated for HPV. This vaccine is readily available at most pediatricians’ offices.

Researchers at Winship have partnered with the Georgia Cancer Control Consortium and other peer organizations in Georgia to lead efforts in eliminating barriers and increasing uptake of HPV vaccination in the state.

Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

While screening tests can greatly reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer and HPV, there are still some women who are at an increased risk. Some of these risk factors include:

  • HPV infection
  • Having many sexual partners
  • Smoking
  • Weakened immune system
  • Family history of cervical cancer

It is important to note that even with the above risk factors, some women still will not develop the disease. That said, Winship encourages all women with a cervix to be screened and tested regularly to stay healthy.

Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer usually does not present with any signs and symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage. When that occurs, these symptoms might arise:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding (after having sex, after menopause or between periods)
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during sex
  • Unusual vaginal discharge (for example: between periods or after menopause)

If you have any of the above symptoms, contact your doctor right away.