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Faces of HPV and Cervical Cancer

 Facts About Cervical Cancer and HPV
  • Cervical Cancer is cancer of the cervix.  The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb) that connects to the vagina.  Abnormal cells can develop in the lining of the cervix.  If not discovered early and treated, these abnormal cells can become precancerous and then cancer. 
  • About 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States each year with about 4,000 deaths per year.
  • Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by certain types of a virus called the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV.
  • HPV is very common and easily transmitted.
  • By age 50, 80% of all women (and men) will have been positive for HPV at some point in their lives. 
  • Three are about 20 million Americans infected by HPV and it is estimated that there is  approximately 6 million new cases every year.
  • In the US every hour a woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer and every 2.5 hours a woman dies from cervical cancer.
 Strategies for Preventing Cervical Cancer and HPV
  •  Educate Yourself - Knowledge is power.  Ask your doctor or your healthcare professional for more information.
  • Screen Regularly - Have your Pap Test regularly and HPV test when recommended by you physician.
  • Decrease your Chances - According to the CDC, the only way you can totally protect yourself against HPV is to avoid any sexual activity that involves genital contact.  You can decrease your chances by limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom (although they are not completely effective because the virus can be present on areas of the skin not covered by the condom).
  • Vaccinate - The HPV vaccines has been shown to significantly reduce the risk.  Vaccine (Gardacil) can be given to boys and girls between the ages of 9-26 years old.
  • Communicate - Know the facts and stop the misinformation and the stigma associated with cervical cancer and HPV.
 Prevention and Early Detection Save Lives!!!


       


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