Cervical cancer can often be detected early through regular pap screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends women between the ages of 21 and 29 have an annual Pap test. After age 30, they recommend a Pap and HPV screening every 5 years, or just a Pap test every three years until age 65. If you have any of the below risk factors or have had an abnormal result from a Pap test, your doctor will determine how frequently you should be screened.
According to the American Cancer Society, having an HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, especially one by a higher-risk HPV type or that does not resolve on its own, is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer. Smoking, being overweight, a family history of the disease, long-term birth control use, and those who are immunorepressed are also at an increased risk. For a complete list of risk factors, visit the American Cancer Society’s website.
Make your preventive screenings an important part of your cancer prevention lifestyle! Visit the American Cancer Society’s website for more information.
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