Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix. It occurs mostly in women over 30 years old. The main cause of cervical cancer is infection with certain types of the human papilloma virus (HPV). Other causes or risk factors include:

o Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
o Smoking.
o Using birth control pills for a long time (five or more years).
o Having given birth to three or more children.
o Having several sexual partners.

You can lower your risk for cervical cancer by quitting smoking/vaping, having safer sex (i.e. using condoms), getting a pap test/HPV test by a health care provider (check CDC for screening information), and by getting the HPV vaccination (shot). The HPV vaccine can be given for some individuals from age 9 to 45. Make an appointment with your doctor or health care provider to schedule your screening and discuss getting the HPV vaccine. Your doctor or healthcare provider offices are sanitized and practice COVID-19 safety protocols.

Listen to Ann’s Story and Schedule Your Appointment Today.

Resources:
Indiana Breast & Cervical Cancer Program
Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)