The CDC shares that there are about 11,500 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the U.S. every year. About 4,000 women die from cervical cancer each year.
Protect yourself from cervical cancer! There are a few things you can do to prevent cervical cancer or find it early.
What is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is a disease where abnormal cells grow in your cervix. Nearly all cases are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
Yes, nearly all cases of cervical cancer can be prevented. To protect against cancers that are caused by HPV, the HPV vaccine series is available starting at age 9. The CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for males and females through 26 years of age as it can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by HPV.
HPV recommended doses:
- Ages 9 to 14: Two doses.
- Ages 15 to 26 and immunocompromised people of all ages: 3 doses.
Some adults ages 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination.
Talk to your doctor if you have questions about the HPV vaccine for you or your child.
What is a cervical cancer screening and why is it important?
Cervical cancer screenings can help catch health concerns early and when they are easier to treat. You should get regular screenings even when you feel like you don’t have a health problem.
Talk to your doctor about what they recommend for you.
Women 21 years old or older should receive cervical cancer screenings. These screenings can:
- Find cervical cancer early.
- Allow early treatment and decrease risk of spread.
Who is at risk for cervical cancer?
Anyone with a cervix can get cervical cancer. Some things that can increase your risk include:
- If you smoke tobacco.
- If you have HIV or a different health condition that makes it hard to fight off health problems.
- If you were not immunized with the HPV vaccine series. The HPV vaccine series was first available in 2006. The recommended dose of the HPV vaccine is two doses for those aged 9 to 14, and three doses for those aged 15 to 26 and immunocompromised individuals of all ages.
Does the Alliance cover cervical cancer screenings?
Yes! Cervical cancer screenings are offered at no cost to Alliance members.
How often do I need to get a cervical cancer screening?
You should begin screenings at 21 years of age, and if the results are normal, you can wait three years for your next screening. Women 30 to 65 years of age, have three options:
- Continue getting Pap test only. If the result is normal, you can wait three years for your next Pap.
- Get an HPV test only. If the result is normal, you can wait five years for your next Pap.
- Get both an HPV and Pap test together. If test results are normal, you can wait five years for your next test.
Women vaccinated for HPV should still follow the above recommendations. These recommendations do not apply if you have had an abnormal cytology and should follow the advice of your doctor. Talk to your doctor about what they recommend for you.
Who can I get a cervical cancer screening from?
You can get cervical cancer screenings from your primary doctor or an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) in the Alliance network.
Do I need a referral?
No! You do not need a referral from your primary doctor to see a women’s health specialist. If you would like help finding a women’s health specialist who is taking new patients, you can call Member Services at 800-700-3874 (TTY 800-735-2929 or 711).
Support for your doctor visit
- Do you need help talking with your doctor or the Alliance in your spoken language? We offer language assistance services at no cost. This includes interpreters for your doctor visits.
- Do you need a ride to your appointment? We offer transportation services to eligible members at no cost to you.
Read about other things you can do for your health in our previous article, Women’s health matters.
