How Likely am I to get Cervical Cancer?
HPV and cervical cancer
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection.1 Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, which is the primary cause of cervical cancer.1
In fact, about 85% of people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.2
HPV can spread through vaginal or anal sex, as well as intimate skin-to-skin contact with an infected person.1 Even if an HPV-infected person has no symptoms, they can still pass the virus to their partner.1
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and diseases.
How can I protect against cervical cancer?
The HPV vaccines have been proven to be effective to help protect against cervical cancer.1,3
HPV vaccination is recommended for people aged 9 years or older, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. Even if you have already been exposed to HPV, the vaccine can still help protect against the cancer-causing HPV types you may not have.1
In addition to vaccination, it is crucial to undergo regular screening tests to detect any changes in the cervix early, before they develop into cancer.4
There are 2 tests you can take4:
• Pap test looks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix
• HPV test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain cancers and diseases.