Three Steps to Prevent Cervical Cancer

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month! Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer for persons with a cervix, with 13,000 a year developing cervical cancer and 4,000 dying yearly. However, just because cervical cancer is common doesn't mean you cannot take steps to prevent it. Here are three ways you can prevent cervical cancer.

1. Ensure you Have Your HPV Vaccine

HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a common virus that most sexually active adults will get at some point in their life. Many people with HPV will never have any symptoms from the virus. However, for some, HPV can develop into several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancers are the result of an HPV infection.

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV that are most likely to cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer. It is recommended that everyone between the ages of 9 and 26 get an HPV vaccine. If you are over 26 and have not received an HPV vaccination, contact your provider to check that an HPV vaccine is right for you. Alluvion Health offers the HPV vaccine as a walk-in service at all Alluvion Health locations.

2. Stop Smoking

Most people know that smoking can lead to lung cancer, but did you know it can cause other cancers, including cervical cancer? Current smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cervical cancer than those who have never smoked. There are several reasons that smoking can increase your risk of cervical cancer, including,

• Smoking suppresses your immune system. If you are infected with HPV while smoking, your body is less able to fight off the virus, allowing it to develop into cervical cancer.

• The cervical mucus of smokers often contains high levels of nicotine, which can damage cervical cells' DNA, leading to cervical cancer.

• Some chemicals in tobacco can react with HPV cells, helping them to grow and multiply.

Not only does quitting smoking decrease your chance of developing cervical cancer, but it also increases your health overall!

3. Schedule your Cervical Cancer Screening

A cervical cancer screening, also known as a pap smear, is a way for your provider to catch cervical cancer early in its development. During a cervical cancer screening, your doctor will look for abnormal cell development in your cervix, the part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. This abnormal cell growth is an early sign of cervical cancer and can detect cervical cancer before you feel any symptoms. Early detection of cervical cancer is key to treatment.

All people with a cervix should begin having cervical cancer screenings at 21, and depending on the test results, you should have follow-up screenings every three to five years. If you need to schedule your cervical cancer screening, schedule with Jessica Vlasie, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, by calling 406.454. 6973!

Jessica Vlasie, WHNP, is a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner at Alluvion Health.  She enjoys having the opportunity to make a difference in her patients' lives!