Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer may be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as multiple partners, unprotected sex, and smoking cigarettes and by screening for and treating precancerous lesions. Early detection and treatment of precancerous areas found on the cervix may prevent them from developing into cancer.
A vaccine is available that protects against infections caused by strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that are the most common causes of cervical cancer. In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer and others are under development. The approved vaccine protects against the HPV types 16 and 18 that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers and types 6 and 11 that cause about 90 percent of genital warts. The FDA approved its use in girls and women ages 9 to 26 years old; it is given in three doses over a period of six months. The vaccine is considered safe but is only effective if given before an initial exposure to the virus, so it is recommended that it be given before becoming sexually active. However, it does not protect against all cervical cancers, so routine screening is recommended even if you have received the vaccine.
