Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in a woman's cervix. While the cause is not known, most people diagnosed with cervical cancer also have the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV). That's why women who have had multiple sexual partners or who started having sex at a young age are at higher risk for cervical cancer.

Other risk factors to consider:

• Women who smoke are more likely to develop cervical cancer
• African American, Hispanic and Native American women are at greater risk for developing cervical cancer
• Women who have had an STD are at higher risk for cervical cancer

What you can do to prevent and treat cervical cancer

Help reduce your risk for developing cervical cancer:

• Practice safe sex. Using condoms may reduce the risk of cervical cancer and HPV. Condoms may not completely protect you, though. The best protection against HPV is abstinence from sex, or only having sex with one uninfected, monogamous partner.
• Get regular screenings. Get a Pap smear once a year, starting at age 21 (or three years after you start having vaginal intercourse).
• Ask for the HPV vaccine. The new vaccine is recommended for females ages 11-12, with a catch-up vaccination available for females ages 13-26.
• Quit smoking. As with other cancers, smoking greatly increases your risk for cervical cancer.

Caught early, cervical cancer can be treated. Your doctor can recommend treatment options, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, that are right for you.

How to talk to your doctor

There are often no early symptoms of cervical cancer or HPV. That's why it's important to discuss risk factors with your doctor and get regular screenings. You should have an annual Pap test when:

• You are age 21 or older
• Three years after you start having vaginal intercourse
• You have had multiple sexual partners

If you've had cervical cancer for a while without being aware of it, you may see signs such as unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge. Tell your doctor about these symptoms right away.

And if you are younger than 26 or have a daughter who is between the ages of 9 and 26, ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine.

How UnitedHealthcare can help

Use UnitedHealthcare's tools and resources to help you address cervical cancer.

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