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The cervix is the end of the narrow neck of the uterus (or womb). Cervical cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the cervix. However the early signs of cervical cancer respond well to treatment
In most cases cervical cancer is caused by a reduced immune response to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are over 100 different types of HPV viruses, between 15 and 30 are cancer causing. Two types of the virus, HPV 16 & HPV 18, are the 2 common causes of cervical cancer which are responsible for 70% cervical cancer cases.
Vaccines have been developed to immunise against HPV 16 & HPV 18, which the vaccine offers a 99% success rate against. While these two types of the virus are responsible for 70% of cases of cervical cancer; screening through regular smear tests is still required for the other HPV viruses which cause the remaining 30% of cervical cancer cases.
It's recommended that these vaccines are made available to females from the age of 12 years upwards and it is best administered before women become sexually active.
Early detection is best. Regular smear tests, also called pap tests, are the main way of detecting the HPV virus. The tests help to prevent cervical cancer by finding abnormal cells in the cervix before they can become cancerous.
Infections rarely show symptoms and while most clear up naturally, some do persist and actually develop into cervical cancer. That's why even if you have a cervical cancer vaccine; smear tests should continue to be an essential part of your cervical cancer protection.
Also if you have in the past been diagnosed and treated for cervical cancer, you should still continue with regular smear tests.
Going for a cervical cancer vaccination
Going to the smear test centre
If you have any concerns about cervical screening and/or cervical canceryou cancall the National Cancer Helpline Freefone 1800 200 700 (open Monday - Thursday 9am - 7pm and Fridays 9am - 5pm).
www.preventcervicalcancer.ie
www.cancer.ie
www.mariekeating.ie
www.ncri.ie
¹Cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide. IARC CancerBase no.5 version 2.0