Cervical cancer is caused by high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). HPV can cause normal cells on your cervix to become abnormal and slowly develop into a cancer.
HPV is very common; in fact, about 3 of every 4 adults will have had HPV at some time in their lives. Most HPV infections go away on their own without any treatment. However, some infections do not go away and it is these long-lasting infections that can cause cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer can be prevented by regular screening. Cervical screening is used to find the abnormal cervical cells that could turn into a cancer. When found at an early stage, these abnormal cells can be removed and the cancer prevented. Abnormal cervical cells do not cause any symptoms so it is important to get screened even if you feel well. There are 2 tests used for cervical screening:
The Pap test looks for abnormal cells that can develop into cervical cancer. If abnormal cells are found, your doctor or nurse will recommend further tests such as another Pap test, a HPV test or a colposcopy.
The HPV test looks for the high-risk types of HPV that can cause abnormal cervical cells and cervical cancer. HPV testing can be used on its own or in combination with the Pap test for women 30 and older. It is not recommended for screening women under the age of 30 as HPV infections are very common in younger women but most of these infections disappear on their own. However, HPV testing can be used to follow-up an abnormal Pap test in women under the age of 30.
There are two HPV vaccines that are available today. Both prevent infection with the two most common high-risk types of HPV, types 16 and 18, which cause the majority of cervical cancers. Both vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in teenage girls and young women.
However, the vaccines do not protect against all high-risk HPV types so while they reduce the risk of cervical cancer, they do not eliminate it. Therefore, even women who have been vaccinated should continue to be screened to protect against cervical cancers that may be caused by other high-risk types of HPV.