It’s not too late to vaccinate: Prevent cervical cancer with the HPV vaccine

Written and Sponsored by the Georgia Cancer Center
·3 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) – Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. Today, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has declined, mainly due to the effectiveness of regular Pap test screening in detecting early pre-cancers and recently the increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations.

“Prevention of cervical cancer is as simple as getting the HPV vaccine,” said Dr. Sharad Ghamande, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Georgia and the Georgia Cancer Center at Wellstar MCG Health. “In addition to prevention, scheduling your Pap smears based on discussions with your OB/Gyn provider is an important factor affecting cure rates, and function and quality of life after treatment if you are diagnosed with cervical cancer.”

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According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife, with most cases found in women younger than 50. However, 20 percent of women diagnosed are over age 65. Studies by the American Cancer Society show Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Caucasians. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country. The signs that could point to a cervical cancer diagnosis include unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge during sexual intercourse and pain in the pelvis.

Ghamande and the members of the Cancer Center’s Gynecologic Cancer Care team recommend that all women talk with their primary care physician about scheduling a Pap smear. Certain groups of women may be at greater risk for cervical cancer. These risk factors include:

  • Human papillomavirus infection. There are many different strains of HPV, including Type 16 and Type 18, which more commonly cause cervical cancer. Ask your physician about tests that can detect these specific types of HPV infection.

  • Having multiple sexual partners.

  • Having initial sexual intercourse at an early age.

  • Smoking.

  • Oral contraceptive use.

  • Weakened immune system.

Two vaccines for HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, are available. Both have been rigorously evaluated and found to be safe and effective. “A vaccine against the two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers can reduce the risk of infection even further,” Ghamande said. Inspectors at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved multiple vaccines which are safe and effective. The vaccines target the virus strains HPV 16 and HPV 18. And the Gardasil-9 vaccine targets five more antiviral (HPV) strains.

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Who should get the HPV vaccine? Children starting at age 11. Young adults up until the age of 26. Who should receive Pap screening? All women should get yearly Pap tests starting about three years after they start having sex or no later than age 21. Beginning at age 30, most women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row may be evaluated less often – every two to three years. After age 30, your primary care physician may recommend a Pap/HPV co-test.

“This vaccine has also shown the ability to offer some protection from vaginal, vulvar, anal and oropharyngeal cancers,” Ghamande said.

If you have questions about cervical cancer, HPV and the vaccine, talk to your primary care doctor. He or she can help you decide a course of action to reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer. If you have a daughter or female relative or friend between the ages of 10 and 26, encourage her to talk to her doctor about the HPV vaccines for cancer prevention.

Our team of specially trained cancer providers is skilled in the care of your unique diagnosis. Every type of cancer reacts differently within your uniquely and our teams work together to collaborate and figure out a personalized treatment plan for your individual needs. Visit augustahealth.org/cancer or call 706-721-6744. Make an appointment with a women’s health specialist at augustahealth.org/women or call 706-721-4959.

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