There are several ways women can reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer as emphasized during Cervical Health Awareness Month.

A human papillomavirus, or HPV, vaccine given to females as young as nine-years-old can reduce the risk of getting cervical cancer, and women are recommended to start getting Pap tests at age 21. A Pap test looks for precancers, cell changes on the cervix that might become cancer if they are not treated appropriately. If the test result is normal, a woman can typically wait three years until the next screening.

Kim Durst with the American Cancer Society explains what’s significant about cervical cancer, “It is a cancer that doesn’t show a lot of signs, and so that is one huge reason and the importance of starting those screenings at the age of 21 for women because this is one cancer that doesn’t stand out. And so the more prevention that you use the better it is.”

In addition to the Pap test, women age 30-65-years-old are also encouraged to get the HPV test, but you should discuss with your physician which testing option is best for you. For more information on Cervical Health Awareness Month visit here.