Cancer Services
Cervical Cancer Awareness
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer in women, yet thousands of new cases are diagnosed every year. The good news is that cervical cancer is largely preventable and curable if detected early.
Know who's at risk.
Cancer of the cervix can affect adult women at almost any age. One of the most important strategies for reducing cervical cancer is to receive a regular Pap smear screening. Screenings should begin at age 18, or at the onset of sexual activity, and continue annually.
Know the risk factors and reduce them.
Schedule an annual Pap smear screening. A Pap smear can detect changes in the cervix that, if left untreated, can develop into cancer.
Avoid risky sexual activities that increase your risk of HPV (human papilloma virus) and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
HPV and HIV are both sexually transmitted diseases. HPVs are a group of viral infections that can sometimes spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. HIV decreases the body's immune system, making it difficult to fight HPV infections and early cervical cancer. To reduce your risk of HPV or HIV infections, limit the number of sexual partners you have and know their sexual history. Be aware, too, that using a condom can reduce the risk of HIV; however, HPV can be transmitted even with the use of a condom.
If you smoke, stop. If you don't smoke, don't start.
Smoking introduces cancer-causing chemicals into the body. These chemicals can damage cervical cells and lead to cancer.