What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is the growth of abnormal cells on the surface of a woman's cervix. Most cervical cancers begin with microscopic changes in the cells located in the outer layer of the cervix. These changes, known as dysplasia may develop into cancer. The most common types of cervical cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

What is the connection between HPV and cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name for a group of common viruses that can infect the body, including the genitals, contributing to cervical cancer and also causing genital warts. When HPV is spread through sexual contact, it may remain on a woman's cervix. In most cases, HPV produces no symptoms and goes away on its own. Sometimes the virus remains on the cervix and changes the cells in a way that can lead to cervical cancer.

What is the HPV vaccine and how will it reduce the risk of cervical cancer?

In 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine that protects against four types of HPV: HPV-16 and HPV-18, which cause 70 percent of cervical cancers; and HPV-6 and HPV-11, which cause 90 percent of genital warts. Studies have shown the vaccine to be effective in protecting against HPV and protecting against the development of cervical cancer. The vaccine is approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is most effective when administered before exposure to HPV, which means it is recommended before a young woman becomes sexually active. The vaccine is administered as three injections over a six-month period. The vaccines provide no protection against other forms of HPV. Women who received HPV vaccines should still get regular screenings to test for other HPV infections.