Common Questions About
Cervical Cancer

Even though cervical cancer rates have gone down in the last few decades, every woman needs to play a role in preventing cervical cancer and staying healthy. Regular check-ups, routine pap testing, and HPV testing when recommended, are key components in the fight against cervical cancer.

It is unlikely that you would be able to tell on your own. Precancerous cells and early cervical cancer usually don’t cause symptoms. That’s why routine pap testing is suggested for early detection and treatment. If you are experiencing unusual bleeding, pelvic pain, or urinary pain, you should speak with your doctor. The surest way to catch cervical cancer early is with regular pap testing and HPV testing when recommended.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 100 virus types that are transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. About 30-40 of these HPV strains are transmitted through sexual contact. About 80% of sexually active women have contracted at least one strain of genital HPV by age 50.¹ Most HPV strains are harmless and clear on their own over time. However a few "high-risk" strains that may persist are associated with cervical cancer.

Not necessarily. The vast majority of women with an HPV infection never get cervical cancer. About 90% of HPV infections will clear on their own in two years.²

A pap test is a cancer screening method that involves collecting cells from the cervix and viewing them under a microscope to determine if they are precancerous or cancerous.

The pap test is the most successful cervical cancer screening program. Since its introduction, cervical cancer deaths have declined by over 70%. Moreover, the advent of the ThinPrep Pap Test has contributed to an additional 28% decline in invasive cervical cancers in the United States.

Yes. In many cases, cervical cancer does not cause symptoms until it is advanced. Regular pap testing is the only way to detect precancerous or cancerous cells before they become a serious threat to your health.

Over 90% of pap tests results come back as normal. In the event that your pap test comes back as abnormal, your doctor will recommend appropriate follow-up and possible treatment if necessary. Remember, when caught early, nearly all cervical cancers are treatable. The pap test, and HPV test when recommended, is the best method to aid in early detection.