Cervical Cancer — Are YOU at Risk?

If you've ever had unprotected sex, you probably are.

Medical research has found that 70% of cervical cancer is caused by HPV — the human papilloma virus. HPV is a sexually transmitted infection that can also cause genital warts and is easily passed on — even without symptoms.

HPV is extremely common. Approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50% of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.

But, the good news is that we now know that HPV is the cause of nearly all cervical cancer — and there is a way to prevent it! The HPV vaccine will prevent infection for the two types of HPV which are responsible most cervical cancers as well as many cancers of the vulva, anus and penis. Last year over 11,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer disease and nearly 4,000 women die in the United States each year from this disease.

January is National Cervical Health Month. Make a vow to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Call Planned Parenthood today to make an appointment to get the HPV vaccine! It could save your life.