The good news about cervical cancer is that it's one of the most preventable cancers. Thanks to the HPV vaccine and regular screening, most cervical cancers can be prevented or detected early, before cancer develops. 

Emily McGough, Family Nurse Practitioner, at Telluride Medical Center, says prevention comes down to two key steps: vaccination and screening. 

The HPV Vaccine & Cancer Prevention 

The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is the only vaccine that actually prevents cancer. 

While many people think of HPV only in relation to cervical cancer, the vaccine protects against the strains of HPV responsible for six different cancers. The HPV Vaccine, GARDASIL 9 helps protect individuals ages 9 to 45 against the following diseases caused by 9 types of HPV: cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers in females, anal cancer, certain head and neck cancers, such as throat and back of mouth cancers and genital warts in both males and females. 

The vaccine is approved for children as young as age 9, and the earlier it's given, the stronger the immune response. Children who begin the vaccine series before age 15 need only two doses, while those who start later need three doses for full protection. 

"The HPV vaccine is incredibly effective and has very few side effects," says McGough. "It's one of the best tools we have to prevent cancer before it ever starts." 

Cervical Cancer Screening 

A Pap smear is a routine screening test that collects cells from the cervix to look for changes that could eventually develop into cervical cancer. 

HPV is present in nearly all cervical cancers (about 99.7%) worldwide. 

As cervical cancer research has advanced, so has screening. Today, laboratories may first test for high-risk HPV. If HPV is detected, the sample is then evaluated for abnormal cervical cells that may need additional follow-up. 

While the testing process has changed behind the scenes, the experience for patients remains the same. 

We start discussing HPV testing and pap smears between age 21 and 25, then screening is every 3-5 years depending on previous results.  We continue screening until age 65, when we start discussing when to stop the screenings.   

What Happens If HPV Is Found? 

Testing positive for HPV does not mean you have cancer. 

If screening identifies certain high-risk types of HPV or abnormal cervical cells, your provider may recommend a colposcopy, a procedure that allows the cervix to be examined under magnification. During the procedure, small biopsies (about size of a pin head) may be taken to determine how deeply the virus has affected the cervical tissue. 

Most biopsies do not show cancer. Instead, they often reveal mild or moderate cellular changes that can be safely monitored. 

If certain precancerous or cancerous cells are found, patients are referred to an OB-GYN for treatment. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve removing the abnormal tissue before it has the opportunity to develop into cancer. 

Many patients simply return for repeat Pap smears and colposcopies over the following months or years while the body's immune system suppresses or clears the virus. Once screenings return to normal, patients can resume their routine screening schedule. 

What Can Adults Do to Lower Their Risk? 

Even if you weren't vaccinated as a child, there are still important steps you can take to protect yourself. 

• Practice safe sex to reduce your risk of HPV and other infection exposures. 

• Ask your healthcare provider whether the HPV vaccine is right for you. It's routinely recommended through age 26 and, in some cases, may be appropriate through age 45. 

• Don't smoke. Smoking makes it harder for your immune system to clear HPV and is one of the biggest risk factors for persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer. 

• Stay up to date with your recommended cervical cancer screenings. 

HPV Is Extremely Common 

One of the hardest parts of an HPV diagnosis isn't the virus itself. It's the fear, guilt, or shame that many people feel afterward. 

The reality is that HPV is incredibly common. About 80% of women will contract HPV at some point in their lives, and most sexually active people are exposed during their lifetime. In most cases, the immune system clears or suppresses the virus on its own without causing long-term health problems. 

“It’s really very normal to feel shocked or scared about an HPV diagnosis.  Because it is sexually transmitted, there can be stigma, shame and a lot of fear.  If you have questions, we are here to answer them for you and help you through the process.  With good follow-up care and monitoring, it is very rare that HPV causes cervical cancer in places like the US.” McGough says 

Talk With Your Provider 

Whether you're wondering if it's time for your next Pap smear, have questions about the HPV vaccine, or want to learn more about cervical cancer prevention, the team at Telluride Medical Center is here to help. 

HPV vaccination and regular cervical cancer screening remain the most effective ways to prevent cervical cancer and protect your long-term health.