Are you due for a Pap smear?

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The World Health Organization has a plan for the elimination of cervical cancer through education, vaccination and screening—we can get there!

Cervical cancer is preventable and curable, if it is found early and treated effectively.

Cervical cancer starts when the cells lining the cervix begin to grow out of control. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects the body of the uterus to the vagina. Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

More than 14,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer every year. 

Some signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include irregular or postmenopausal bleeding and increased vaginal discharge. More severe symptoms may arise at advanced stages.

Get a Pap smear every three years.

Cervical cancer screening helps find problems before they turn into cancer. Screening can include two types of tests: Pap smear and HPV testing. Here’s a little bit about what to expect:

• Pap smear: The doctor will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum, to look inside your vagina. This part only takes a few minutes. The doctor will then collect a sample of cells to send to a lab for analysis. Test results can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the lab. 
  • These tests are recommended starting at the age of 21. 
  • Doctors generally recommend repeating Pap testing every three years for women ages 21 to 65. Talk to your doctor about the frequency that’s right for you.
• HPV test: The experience of getting an HPV test is the same as a pap smear and often done at the same time. The doctor will collect a sample to send to a lab. 
  • Your doctor may recommend including HPV testing with your Pap smear, starting at the age of 30.
  • Doctors generally recommend repeating HPV testing every 5 years.

Remember, cervical cancer can be cured. Regular cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can cure cervical cancer. Treatment is available through the Well Woman Medicaid program.

Get the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is the best defense against cervical cancer. We recommend the immunization schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and Wisconsin Department of Health Services. The vaccine is given in two doses starting between the ages of 9 and 14 years old. The second dose should be given 6-12 months after the first. Talk to your provider about what’s right for you.

HPV vaccination works. Since HPV vaccination was first recommended in 2006, infections with HPV types that cause most HPV cancers among teen girls dropped 88%.

We can help with screening and treatment.

If you have insurance, reach out to your primary care provider for help with screening and vaccination. However, if you don’t have insurance or a primary care provider, we may be able to help!

The Wisconsin Well Woman Program offers free screening and treatment for breast and cervical cancer. With some exceptions, you can access the program if you are:

• A person with breasts, age 40-64 or 35 years and older if the person has a breast or cervical concern, and
• You have limited income, and
• You have limited or no health insurance

When you’re enrolled in the program, you’re able to access things like HPV tests, mammograms, Pap smear, diagnostic testing, and breast and pelvic exams at no cost to you. Call 608-242-6385 to enroll in the screening program.

We offer HPV vaccination if you are 19 years old or older. You can make an appointment online or over the phone by calling 608-242-6255.