Your GP can recommend the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer and HPV.
I was diagnosed with abnormal cells in 1992, approx 18 months after the birth of my first child. I underwent a colposcopy and was advised to have annual Pap smears. In 1995 (after the birth of my second child) I was again diagnosed with CIN 2 which resulted in an extensive cone biopsy. A week later this led to a massive haemorrhage and I was hospitalised for several days and then unable to work for 2 weeks!! I was advised that if it happened again a hysterectomy would be necessary. But the good news is that it was all worth it. I went on to complete my family with baby no.3 and ten Pap smears later, every single one has been 100% normal. Yeah!
Wendy, 35 years
Protect Yourself
What can I do to help protect myself from cervical cancer?
Because HPV is so easily passed on, it is quite difficult to prevent yourself from being infected with this common virus. More than 50% of males and females will be infected with at least one type of HPV at some time in their life. But remember that most people clear HPV infection from their body without any symptoms or health problems.
If used correctly, condoms can help reduce the risk of genital HPV. However condoms don't provide 100% protection against HPV as it is transmitted through genital skin contact not just sexual intercourse.
Vaccination
It is now possible to be vaccinated against cervical cancer. Currently available vaccines protect against HPV types that account for up to 80% of cervical cancer cases and the majority of pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities.
The Australian government is currently funding the cervical cancer vaccine for eligible girls and women. Females aged 12 to 18 years who have not completed their course at school and 18 to 26 year old women, still have a chance to receive the free vaccine, provided you have your first dose before 30th June and complete all 3 doses by 31st December 2009.
For women aged 27 to 45 years the cervical cancer vaccine is not Government funded but is available as a private script. Speak to your GP to see if vaccination is suitable for you.
Vaccination does not protect against all HPV types that could cause cervical cancer therefore it is important vaccinated women continue with regular Pap smears.
Together, vaccination and regular Pap smears offer an ideal prevention strategy against both cervical cancer and pre-cancerous cervical abnormalities.
Talk to your doctor
Speak to your doctor for further information or to receive your vaccine.
Have regular Pap smears
Your risk of developing cervical cancer can be reduced by having regular Pap smears which are an early detection screening program. Always make sure you receive the result of your Pap smear from your healthcare professional.
Pap smears are usually performed every 2 years, unless your GP or nurse has asked you to have them more frequently. Regular Pap smears are a very good way of picking up abnormal cells before they progress into cervical cancer. If you are or have ever been sexually active (with either male or female partners) you should be having 2-yearly Pap smears, starting when you are 18 to 20 years, and continuing through until age 70.
