Did you know that Cervical Cancer…
– rates in the United States have dropped over the past few decades according to the National Cancer Institute.
– is a preventable disease. Nearly all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infections with high-risk strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Fortunately, the HPV vaccine currently used in the United States, Gardasil 9, can protect against nine of the 12 high-risk HPV strains.
– can be found through screening tests that can detect the cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more effective than at a later point. Even precancerous conditions can be detected and treated.
– screening includes the well-known “Pap test” or “Pap smear.” This can detect cells that might indicate that cancer is present. Another test can detect an infection with high-risk HPV.
– Black and Hispanic women and low-income and rural populations are especially vulnerable to cervical cancer.