{ Specialized Womens Care

Cervical Cancer / HPV

Cervical cancer is often caused by a virus many people catch in their teens and 20s. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. The CDC estimates there are approximately 6.2 million new cases of HPV reported in the U.S. every year, and about 20 million people already have HPV. Of the estimated 6.2 million new cases, 74% of them occur in 15 to 24 year olds.

There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, the majority of which are harmless. But certain strains of HPV cause genital warts. Other strains cause abnormal cervical cells and can lead to cervical cancer. And because HPV often has no symptoms, many people with HPV don't know they have it.

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer. Four of the most common strains of HPV collectively account for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

A recently developed vaccine – Gardasil – protects against these four strains. Gardasil can help parents protect their daughters from one of the most prevalent Sexually Transmitted Infections and one of the leading causes of cervical cancer.

The FDA licensed Gardasil for use in girls and young women ages 9-26 years old. Ideally, girls and young women should get vaccinated before they are sexually active because the vaccine is most effective when they have not been exposed to any of the four HPV strains. Sexually active women may still benefit from the vaccine, which is given in a series of three shots over six months.

Schedule an appointment at The Women's Center for the girl or young woman in your family to get vaccinated. Protect her against one of the most common STIs and the leading cause of cervical cancer.