Did you know that HPV, the Human Papilloma Virus, has been linked to cervical cancer? HPV is a very common virus which may produce warts or certain kinds of cancer, including cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is preventable and curable if detected early. One way to detect it is through a regular Pap test. A Pap test is a sample of cervical cells collected during a pelvic (GYN) exam.
The current recommendations from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for women are:
• Pap testing beginning at age 21 or 3 years after the onset of sexual activity.
• Pap testing repeated at least every 3 years.
Another important prevention method is the HPV vaccine. This protects women against two of the HPV types that cause 70% of all cases of cervical cancer.
Planned Parenthood of Delaware offers GYN exams, Pap tests, and the HPV vaccine. Click here for a list of our Medical Centers to make an appointment, or call for walk-in hours.
And for more information, visit Planned Parenthood Federation of America or the National Cervical Cancer Coalition.
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