Preventing cervical cancer: what can I do?

When it comes to cervical cancer, what causes it, and how to prevent it, there are plenty of myths and misconceptions: let’s talk about it.

With screening and vaccination, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers. This National Cervical Health Awareness Month, read on to learn the easy steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones against cervical cancer.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer happens in the cells of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina). Before cancer develops, abnormal  changes start to happen to the cells on the surface of the cervix. If these changes aren’t treated, over time, they can turn into cervical cancer.

MYTH: Cervical cancer is rare.

FACT: About 14,000 people in the U.S., and about 75 people in the City of Buffalo, get diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.

What causes cervical cancer?

More than 99% of cervical cancer cases are caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection (STI) – so common that nearly every person who’s sexually active will become infected with HPV at some point in their life.

Most HPV infections go away on their own within a year or two, but for some people, the infection lasts for years and leads to changes in the cells of the cervix that can eventually become cervical cancer.

Unlike some cancers, cervical cancer isn’t hereditary, so it can’t be predicted by your family medical history.

MYTH: I can’t get HPV if I’m in a monogamous relationship.

FACT: HPV can stay dormant in you or your partner’s body for years, so you can become HPV positive in a monogamous relationship.  

How do regular screenings prevent cervical cancer?

HPV infections and cervical cell changes often have no symptoms, so the only way to know if you have them is to get screened. Your provider will recommend you get a Pap test every three to five years, depending on your age and other factors.

When it’s caught early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable cancers: according to the American Cancer Society, 92% of people whose cervical cancer is caught early survive the next 5 years.

MYTH: I got vaccinated against HPV, so I don’t need to get HPV or Pap tests.

FACT: The HPV vaccine greatly reduces your risk of becoming HPV positive, but doesn’t eliminate it. Anyone with a cervix should follow screening guidelines.

How does the HPV vaccine prevent cervical cancer?

The HPV vaccine protects against the kinds of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. It’s recommended to be given to all children at age 11-12, well before they become sexually active, but can be given up to age 45.

It’s important for people of any sex, gender identity and sexual orientation to be vaccinated against HPV because:

• It prevents HPV from causing cervical cancer in people with a cervix
• It prevents people from passing HPV to their partners with a cervix (heterosexual men should protect their partners from cervical cancer by getting vaccinated)
• HPV can also lead to other cancers, like throat, anal, or penile cancer. Being vaccinated against HPV lowers the risk of these cancers

If you haven’t been vaccinated against HPV, ask your primary care provider if it’s right for you.

Unconditionally accessible care

People who don’t have access to quality medical care, whether it’s due to being uninsured or underinsured, not having a provider nearby, or being unable to find culturally sensitive care, are much more likely to be affected by cervical cancer.

Our providers understand the disproportionate risk of cervical cancer that Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant people, as well as transgender and nonbinary people, face in the United States due to these barriers to care. We’re committed to providing culturally sensitive care and to lowering the rates of cervical cancer for everyone in our community.

If being uninsured or underinsured is a worry that’s keeping you from getting the care you need, we’re here to help — our dedicated financial counseling team can help you find coverage that fits your needs.