Cervical Health
Protect yourself. Talk to your doctor.
Early detection with treatment saves lives.
- Ask about the recommended health screenings for women for your age group.
- Discuss any symptoms you may be having. Since Pap tests also screen for precancerous changes on the cervix, abnormal results do not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer. Decide today to complete your Pap test
Cervical cancer, which forms in the tissues of the cervix (the organ connecting the uterus and vagina), is almost always caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, which is spread through sexual contact.
All women are at risk for cervical cancer, but it occurs most often in women over age 30. Your risk for HPV infection is greater if you began having sex at an early age (16 years or younger) and/or if you or your partner has had several partners.
The following are some additional risk factors:
- Smoking
- Having HIV or another condition that weakens the immune system
- Taking birth control pills for five or more years
- Giving birth to three or more children
The American Cancer Society recommends screening for women:
- 21 to 29 years of age every three years using cytology-based screening, commonly known as a Pap test.
- 30 to 65 years of age every three years using cervical cytology or every five years using cervical cytology and HPV co-testing.
- Are under age 21.
- Are over age 65 who have had adequate prior screening and are not otherwise at high risk for cervical cancer.
- Have had a hysterectomy, including removal of the cervix, and who do not have a history of cervical cancer or high-grade precancerous lesions.
HPV causes cervical cancer. However, HPV vaccination alone will not protect you. There are a few things that can further reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer:
- Have regular screening exams
- Don’t smoke
- Use condoms during sex
- Get the HPV vaccine
HPV is short for human papillomavirus, a group of more than 100 viruses that are passed on through sex. HPV infections are very common – most men and women have them, though most will never even know it. In most cases, HPV does not cause any health problems. However, some HPV types can cause changes to cells in the cervix and lead to cancer. That’s why the HPV vaccine is so important.
The HPV vaccine was developed to prevent cervical cancer. It works by protecting against the types of HPV that most commonly cause these diseases. The vaccine, Gardasil®, is given in three shots over six months. Note: Even after you’ve had the HPV vaccination, you still need to have regular tests to screen for cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11- and 12-year old girls. It is also recommended for girls and women ages 13 through 26 who have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series.
The HPV vaccine provides almost 100% protection in preventing HPV-caused cervical cancer, when it is given before a woman starts to have sex. The vaccine does not work as well in women who have already been exposed to HPV, which is why doctors recommend getting the vaccine at a young age. Ask your doctor about it if you haven’t had the HPV vaccine yet.
Complete Your Preventive Screening and
Enter to Receive a $20 Gift Card
Completing your cervical cancer screening, also known as a Pap test or Pap smear, is one of the best things you can do to prevent cervical cancer. For most women, this will likely happen at your regular checkup. This screening is free* as part of your WHA health plan and a safe way to protect your health.
When you complete your cervical cancer screening (Pap test/Pap smear) – Fill out this form to receive a $20 gift card. When you have your yearly checkup, ask your doctor (or OB/GYN) about getting your pap test if you have not done so already. When you complete your test, we invite you to complete the entry form to claim your $20 gift card - it's just WHA's way to say "good for you" for taking care of your preventive health!
*To qualify, the exam must have been completed within the past year. Limited to one submission per year. Coverage for WHA services depends on your plan and eligibility at the time of service. Please see Official Rules, as only group and individual members are eligible; CalPERS, Covered California, and Medicare members are not eligible.
Please note: WHA will issue your gift card via email. Please allow up to 6 weeks for processing.
IMPORTANTE: ¿Puede leer esta carta? Si no, nosotros le podemos ayudar a leerla. Ademãs, usted puede recibir esta carta escrita en español. Para obtener ayuda gratuita, llame ahora mismo al Western Health Advantage 916.563.2250 o llame gratis al 888.563.2250 lunes a viernes de 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.