What is cerivx cancer?

Cancer of the cervix that begins in the cervix, the part of the womb (or uterus) that opens to the vagina.

How common is it?

Cervix cancer is rare in this country today because most women get Pap tests.

What is a Pap test?

THe Pap test helps doctors find early changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer.  It is done during a pelvic exam.  Abnormal results on a Pap test are common.

Do we know what causes cervix cancer?

Cervix cancer is caused by a virus called HPV.

What is HPV?

HPV is short for human papilloma (pap-ah-LO-mah) virus.  This virus can cause changes in the cervix.  HPV is not the same as HIV.

HPV is not a new virus, but we are learning more about this virus.  It is not somethingwomen should be scared about.  Most people have had HPV at some time in their lives.

How does HPV lead to cervix cancer?

HPV is spread through sex and it can cause an infection in the cervix.  The infection usually doesn't last very long because your bocy is able to fight the infection.  If the HPV doesn't go away, the virus may cause cervix cells to change and become precancer cells.  Precancer cells are not cancer.  Most cells with early precancer changes return to normal on their own.  Sometimes, the precancer cells may turn into cancer if they are not found and treated.  Very few HPV infections lead to cervix cancer.

Who can get cervix cancer?

Because HPV is so common, any woman who ever had sex can get cervix cancer.  However, most women who get HPV do not get cervix cancer.  Women who have their Pap test as often as they should are least likely to get cervix cancer.  Some women have greater chance of getting cervix cancer if they:

• have HPV and it doesn't go away
• have HIV or AIDS
• smoke

Women who do not have Pap tests at all or who do not have then as often as they should have the greatest chance of getting cervix cancer.

If I'm not having sex, do I still need to get a Pap test?

Yes.  Women who were sexually active in the past can still get cervix cancer.

Who can get HPV?

Any man or woman who has ever had sex can get HPV.  This virus is spread by sex.

Condomes do not completly protect from HPV, but are very helpful in protecting from other infections that can be spread through sex.

Are there any symptoms of HPV?

No.  Most people will never know they have HPV.  But if the HPV does not go away on its own, it can cause changes in the cervix cells.  These changes usually show up on your Pap test.

How is HPV treated?

There isno treatment for HPV, but most HPV infections go away without treatment.  Antibiotics or other medicines do not treat HPV.

There are treatments for the cell changes in the cervix that HPV can cause.  If your Pap test show cervix changes, your doctor or nurse will discuss these treatments with you, if you need them.

Will a Pap test tell me if I have HPV?

A Pap test will usually tell you id you have any cervix cell changes that could be caused by HPV.  This is the most important information for you and your doctor to know. 

No test is perfect: is a Pap test does not find cell changes that are in the cervix, then usually those changes will be found during the next Pap test.  So it is important to get regular Pap tests. 

Is there a test for HPV?  When and how is it done?

Yes, there is a test for HPV called the HPV test.  For women who are age 30 or older, the HPV test can be done at the same time as the Pap test, with either the same swab or a second one.  Some women with a certain type of abnormal Pap test will get an HPV test as part of their follow up.  In this case the age of the woman does not matter.

If I am over 30, should I be tested for HPV when I get my Pap test?

There choice is yours.  You may wnat to know if you have HPV.  Some women may not wish to know. 

If you think you might want to get an HPV test, you can get more information by calling your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or going to their Web site at www.cancer.org.

Whether you have an HPV test or not, get your Pap test. 

REMEMBER

• Most cervix cancer can be prevented.  Finding abnormal cell changes early with a Pap test can be lifesaving.  Cervix cancer is rare today in women who get their Pap tests.
• See a doctor or nurse and get a Pap test.  Ask your doctor or nusre how often you should have your Pap test.
• HPV is a virus that can lead to cervix cancer.
• Almost all women who have had sex will have HPV at some time, but very few women will get cervix cancer.
• Most HPV infections go away without causing cervix changes.  HPV does not have any symptoms and cannot be treated.  But the cell changes that HPV can cause in the cervix can be treated.
• HPV taht does not go away over many years can lead to cervix cancer.