Minority Women's Health

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Cervical Cancer

Minority Women's Health > American Indians/Alaska Natives > Health Topics > Cervical Cancer

The cervix connects the uterus (where a baby grows) to the vagina (the birth canal). Cervical cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found in the tissues of the cervix. Before cancer cells are found on the cervix, abnormal cells start to appear. Cancer that goes untreated starts to grow and spread more deeply into the cervix and to nearby areas. Cancer of the cervix usually grows over a period of time.

If found early enough, abnormal cells can be treated before they turn into cancer. Your doctor finds these cells by doing a Pap test.

Get a Pap test every one to three years if you have been sexually active, starting at no later than at 21 years old. After your first Pap test, you should have a Pap test at least once every three years. Talk to your doctor about how often you should have a Pap test and pelvic exam.

There are things you can do to reduce your risk. Limit your sex partners and always use latex condoms.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by two types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that is spread through sex. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts. Many types of HPV do not cause problems at all. HPV can’t be cured, but you can talk about treatment options with your doctor if abnormal cells grow.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) program provides free or low-cost Pap testing to women who don't have health insurance. To learn more about this program, please contact the CDC at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636).

Publications

1.   Fact Sheet — Cervical Cancer — This easy-to-read fact sheet answers the common questions patients have regarding cervical cancer.

   http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/cervical-cancer.cfm

2.   American Indian Health — This Web site is an information portal to information about the health of native peoples of the United States. The topics include cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and environmental health.

   http://americanindianhealth.nlm.nih.gov/

3.     Cervical Cancer — This fact sheet about cervical cancer is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Campaign. The campaign helps women get the facts about gynecologic cancer, providing important “inside knowledge” about their bodies and health.

   http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/pdf/cervical_facts.pdf

4.   Cervical Cancer Screening (PDQ®) — Patients — This page-by-page explanation of cervical cancer screening provides information about the risk factors for cervical cancer and the effectiveness of common screening methods. It also includes links for information about prevention and treatment.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/pdq/screening/cervical/patient/

5.   Comparing Cervical Cancer by Race and Ethnicity — This Web page from the CDC lists updated statistics about cervical cancer incidence and mortality rates among ethnic minorities.

   http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/statistics/race.htm

6.   Gynecologic Cancers — This Web site was created to raise awareness about the five major gynecologic cancers: cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information and educational materials for women and health care providers, available at this site.

   http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/gynecologic.htm

7.   What You Need To Know About Cancer of the Cervix — This booklet on cervical cancer discusses possible causes, symptoms, treatments, and related emotional issues, and provides questions to ask your doctor. It also includes a glossary of terms and links to other resources.

   http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/cervix

8. A Woman's Guide to Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer (Copyright © Association of Reproductive Health Professionals) — This brochure educates women about human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. It includes information on new technologies, with a focus on women currently undergoing screening for HPV.

   http://72.3.159.179/Publications-and-Resources/Patient-Resources/printed-materials/Understanding-HPV-Cervic...

9. Detailed Guide: Cervical Cancer (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This detailed guide provides information about cervical cancer. It covers information about the causes, risk factors, prevention, and where to seek financial assistance.

   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_3x.asp?dt=8

10.   FAQs about Cervical Cancer/HPV Vaccine Access in the U.S. (Copyright © ASHA) — This fact sheet provides information about HPV vaccines. It explains the vaccination recommendations and the most effective distribution methods and ages for administering the vaccine.

    http://www.ashastd.org/pdfs/HPV_FAQ_032007.pdf

11.   Frequently Asked Questions About Cervical Cancer/HPV Vaccine Access in the U.S. (Copyright © American Social Health Association) — Left untreated, human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to a variety of cancers. This fact sheet discusses the importance of getting the HPV vaccine. It describes Gardasil — currently the only FDA-approved HPV vaccine on the market — and the ages at which girls and young women can get the vaccine.

    http://www.ashastd.org/pdfs/HPV_FAQ_032007.pdf

12. National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign (Copyright © Gynecologic Cancer Foundation) — The National Cervical Cancer Public Education Campaign gives women and their doctors information about what causes cervical cancer and the best ways of preventing and detecting it.

    http://www.cervicalcancercampaign.org

Organizations

1. American Cancer Society
2. American Society for Reproductive Medicine
3. Gynecologic Cancer Foundation
4. National Cervical Cancer Coalition
5. Native American Cancer Research

= Indicates Federal Resources

Resources reviewed March 2008.