Important facts about HPV and Cervical CancerCervical cancer is highly preventable through regular screening including the Pap test. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a common virus - human papillomavirus (HPV). Eight out of 10 women will get HPV at some point in their lives. Most women will have HPV at some point in their lives, but few will develop cervical cancer. In fact, most women who get HPV will get rid of the virus through their body's normal healing process. Only HPV infections that persist for several years can put a woman at risk for cervical cancer. Screening for cervical cancer can be done by your doctor using just a Pap test if you're younger than 30 or a Pap test and HPV test if you're 30 and older. A Pap test looks for cell changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. When used together, the Pap and HPV test can better identify women needing early intervention to prevent cervical cancer. A new weapon against cervical cancer called the HPV vaccine is now on the market and protects against most cervical cancers. The Pap test or HPV test will still be needed to keep healthy as the HPV vaccine can only protect against 70 percent of cervical cancers. Both vaccination and screening are key weapons in the fight against cervical cancer. Women should ask their healthcare providers for the test that best meets their health care needs. Learn more about HPV and cervical cancer at: The Balm in Gilead's The ISIS Project: 1-888-225-6243,
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