CERVICAL CANCER IN WOMEN RISK FACTORS HPV AND THE TEST FOR CERVIX CANCER

RISK FACTORS CERVICAL CANCER HPV AND THE TEST FOR CERVIX CANCER

Test for Cervical Cancer in Women Saves Many Could Save Even More

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The best screening test for cervical cancer in women is probably underutilized. The Pap smear CERVICAL CANCER test is an especially great test because it can pick up pre-cancerous cells in the cervix. The cervix is the "neck" of the woman's uterus aka the womb. By getting regular pap smears a woman increases the chances of finding precancerous cells and getting rid of the risk before the cancer can spread.




Some (many?) women avoid getting the test because of the embarrassment or perceived potential discomfort. But if you look at it on a risk reward ratio the odds are overwhelmingly in favor of getting the test. There is little if any downside and a tremendous upside. Not having a pap smear can literally be the mistake of a person's life. If you don't like or have confidence in a health care provider than go elsewhere for the pap smear but get a pap smear!

What are some risk factors for cancer of the cervix in women?

Women who are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer include:

women with many sexual partners, or whose partners have had many partners

women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop the disease as non-smokers

women who had sexual intercourse at a younger age have a higher risk

Pap Smears: What They Are and What the Results Mean

The Pap Test from Women's Health

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the development of cervical neoplasia are strongly associated. Human papilloma viruses are a group of more than 100 different viruses.

About 40 types of HPV are spread during sex.

Some types of HPVs can cause cervical cancer when not treated.

HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

About 75 percent of sexually active people will get HPV sometime in their life.

Most women with untreated HPV do NOT get cervical cancer.

Some HPVs cause genital warts but these HPVs do not cause cervical cancer.

Since HPV rarely causes symptoms, most people don't know they have the infection.



Most women never know they have HPV. It usually stays hidden and doesn't cause symptoms like warts. When HPV doesn't go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. Pap tests usually find these changes.

The Pelvic Exam and Pap Smear

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented