Health Coach Tip: cervical cancer prevention

What do women really talk about when the subject is cervical cancer prevention?
The pap smear of course! 

There are new recommendations for this screening tool that detects changes which can lead to cancer.

•  Screening begins at age 21 regardless of sexual activity or orientation.

• Ages 21 – 29 should be repeated every 3 years.

• Ages 30 – 65 should be repeated every 3 years or repeated every 5 years when co-testing for the HPV virus (which accounts for more than 90 % of these cancers) is performed.

• The test can be discontinued after age 65 in women who have a history of negative smears or who have had a total hysterectomy.

Prevention is key. 

• Don’t smoke

• Use condoms

• Delay early sexual activity 

• Limit sexual partners

• Consider vaccination