It is important that women take care of themselves and their health. They need to be aware of the screening and steps available to protect themselves from the risks of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the number 2 cancer killer of women world wide. The good news is that for the most part, when abnormal changes are detected early, death due to cervical cancer is preventable. However, each year nearly 4,000 women in the United States die from advanced forms of the disease. There are measures that can be taken that will reduce a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.

1. Cervical Cancer Awareness
Women of all ages need to be aware how to protect themselves from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is the number two cancer killer of women worldwide. The good news is that
when abnormal changes are detected early, death due to cervical cancer is preventable. However,
each year nearly 4,000 women in the United States die from advanced forms of the disease.
There are measures that can be taken that will reduce a woman’s risk of cervical cancer.
Most cervical cancer cases are caused by certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV), a
common sexually transmitted disease. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimates
that almost 80 percent of women will contract a form of HPV at some point in their lives.
However, not all strains of HPV cause cervical cancer. Over time, most HPV infections go away
on their own, but some persist and lead to pre-cancer cell changes. When these pre-cancer
changes are not treated, they can become cancerous.
How to protect yourself:
Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors, and schedule an appointment for a Pap
test. The Pap test will check for changes in the cells of the cervix. Cervical cancer can be
prevented when cell changes are detected and treated early.
Most women should have a screening every two to three years. However, women who are at
higher risk, who have had an abnormal screening in the past, or who have changed sexual
partners may need more frequent Pap test screenings. Talk with a medical expert about when you
should begin screening, how frequently you should be screened, and until what age. Women
eligible for Medicare benefits who are at high risk are covered for one Pap test and pelvic exam
each year. A Pap test and pelvic exam are covered every two years for women at low risk.
For girls and women ages 11-26, there are highly effective HPV vaccines available to potentially
prevent infection from the HPV strains/types that cause 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Medicaid covers the HPV vaccination, and the immunization is mandatory in Medicaid
recipients under age 21.
Cervical cancer symptoms:
Symptoms of cervical cancer typically don’t show themselves until late in the disease process
and vary from woman to woman. This is why screening is of utmost importance. Symptoms of
cervical cancer are general and may be symptoms of other medical conditions. Some symptoms
include:
 Abnormal bleeding from the vagina, or a change in monthly menstrual cycle
 Bleeding following intercourse
 Pain during intercourse
 As the disease advances, women will frequently experience pain down the back of their
legs

2.  Pain in the rectal area, blood from the rectum, or blood in urine
Proper and regular screening can detect cervical cancer before any symptoms have developed. A
large part of cancer prevention and survival depends on what you know. Take the time to learn
all you can about cervical cancer risks and prevention.