Mississippi State Department of Health

Cervical Cancer

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Cervical cancer is a preventable disease that claims the lives of thousands of American women each year.

The single known cause of cervical cancer is the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through sexual contact. Women can reduce their risk of cervical cancer by practicing good sexual health, and can even be vaccinated against HPV as further protection.

You May Be at Higher Risk If:

HPV: The Virus that Causes Most Cervical Cancer

HPV – human papillomavirus – is a very common sexually-transmitted infection. HPV infection causes almost all cases of cervical cancer in women, as well as other cancers in women and men. You can get excellent protection against cervical cancer by being vaccinated against HPV. Vaccination is most effective in the early teens, before becoming sexually active.

Preventing Cervical Cancer

You can lower your risk of developing cervical cancer by following good health guidelines:

Early Detection and Testing

Cervical cancer develops slowly and without obvious symptoms. A yearly Pap test is essential for all women in order to detect the disease early enough for effective treatment. Your doctor may also test you for HPV.

If you cannot afford regular Pap tests, you may be eligible for free or low-cost tests through selected clinics. Contact our Breast & Cervical Cancer program at 601-576-7466 or 1-866-458-4948.

Find Out More

Contact

For questions about our services, and whether you qualify for free screenings, call (601) 576-7466.



Links referenced on this page
Services for women from our Breast & Cervical Cancer program    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/41,0,103,html ok
You May Be at Higher Risk If:    https://icongr.am/material/alert-rhombus.svg?color=ff0000
More about being vaccinated against HPV    https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine-for-hpv.html
Preventing Cervical Cancer    https://icongr.am/material/shield-check.svg?color=009922
More about cervical cancer, screening and prevention    https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/
Early Detection and Testing    https://icongr.am/material/clipboard-check-outline.svg?color=bb0099
Breast & Cervical Cancer program    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/41,0,103,html ok
Screening and other services available from our Breast & Cervical Cancer program    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/41,0,103,html ok
Video: Cervical Cancer Awareness    http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/41,27317,103,558,html ok
More about cervical cancer, screening and prevention    https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/

Resources referenced

Find this page at http://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/index.cfm/index.cfm

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