FREE PAP SCREENING
AND MAMMOGRAPHY!

The cervix is ​​the lower, narrow part of the uterus that serves as the entrance to the womb. It connects the uterus (where the baby grows) to the vagina (birth canal).

Cervical cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the cervix (neck of the uterus). Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by infection with some type of human papillomavirus (HPV). This type of cancer is preventable because there is a vaccine against the human papillomaviruses (HPV) related to this cancer. In addition, there are tests that can detect changes in the cells of the cervix before they become cancer.

The Puerto Rico Central Cancer Registry reported the following data on cervical cancer:

• It is the seventh most common type of cancer in women; in 2022, 196 women were diagnosed with this condition.
• In the same year, 46 women died from this condition.

The main risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. In the United States, an estimated 13 million new cases of HPV occur each year, and there are currently more than 42 million people infected.

• HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
  Eight out of 10 people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
• HPV affects men and women equally.
• HPV is most common in adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.
• There are more than 130 types of HPV. Of these, approximately 40 types can infect the genital and anal areas of men and women, as well as the mouth and throat.
• In most cases, HPV causes no symptoms, so people do not know they have the virus.
• Some HPV types cause genital warts (low risk), and others cause precancerous changes or cancer (high risk).
• HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oropharynx.

In addition to HPV, other factors increase the risk of developing this type of cancer. These factors include:

• Starting sexual activity at an early age
• Having had many sexual partners
• Not having regular Pap smears
• Cigarette smoking
• History of multiple births
• Diet low in fruits and vegetables
• Weak immune system
• Use of oral contraceptives (the pill)

In the early stages, cervical cancer usually does not present signs or symptoms. However, in advanced stages, we may find the following symptoms:

• Vaginal bleeding after sexual intercourse
• Vaginal bleeding that is not related to menstruation
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Vaginal bleeding after pelvic exam
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Cervical cancer screening tests are recommended for all women ages 21 to 65. These tests are very simple and can be performed by your doctor in his or her office or clinic. The doctor uses a plastic or metal instrument to widen the vagina so he or she can examine the cervix and take a sample of cells. These cells are sent to a lab to be examined to determine if they are abnormal.

Guidelines for early detection of cervical cancer recommend the following tests or procedures:

When undergoing a mammogram, please keep the following instructions in mind:

1. . Bring your health insurance information with you on the day of the exam.
2. Do not schedule your mammogram the week before your menstrual period, as your breasts may be more tender then.
3. It is recommended that you do not wear deodorant, powder, perfume, or lotion on your underarms or breasts on the day of your mammogram, as this may cause staining on your x-ray.
4.  Tell your doctor or the technologist performing the exam about any symptoms or problems you may have with your breasts.
5.  If possible, bring your previous mammograms with you in case your radiologist needs them to evaluate your exam.
6.  Before the exam, you will be asked to remove jewelry and clothing from the waist up, and you will be provided with a front-opening gown to cover up.
7.  On the day of your exam, preferably wear a comfortable two-piece outfit (skirt and blouse or pants and blouse).
8.  If you are taking any medication, use it unless otherwise instructed.
9.  Always inform your doctor or radiology technician if there is a possibility you are pregnant.

Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancer. Infection with certain types of HPV and cervical cancer can be prevented by vaccination against this virus. These are broken down below:

There is a vaccine to prevent HPV types related to cancer and genital warts:

• Nonavalent Vaccine (Gardasil-9©):
  • Protects against HPV types 16, 18, 31,33,45,52,58,9,11.
  • It is recommended for women aged 9-45 years for the prevention of HPV infection, precancerous and cancerous lesions of the vulva, vagina and anus, cervix or cervix.
  • It is recommended for men aged 9-45 years for the prevention of HPV infection, precancerous and cancerous anal lesions.
  • Both males and females between the ages of 9 and 14 years require two doses, the second dose should be administered between 6 to 12 months after the first dose.
  • Both men and women between the ages of 15 and 45 years require three doses, 0.1 and 6 months apart.
• The vaccine is most effective if given before the onset of sexual activity when the likelihood of exposure to HPV is lower, which is why current guidelines recommend that the vaccine be given between 11 and 12 years of age.
• The vaccine is safe.
• The HPV vaccine “DOES NOT CURE, IT PROTECT”.
• Talk to your doctor about this vaccine.

For more information visit the following websites:

• • HPV vaccine:  https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/media/pdfs/2024/07/HPV-vaccine-safety-sp.pdf

General information about cervical cancer

Cervical cancer

What is cancer?

HPV-associated cancers