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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I prevent cervical cancer?

    Related Topics
    Cancer Cervical Cancer
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    Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation

    ACCF’s Vision is to protect and enhance women’s health by eliminating cervical cancer and enabling treatment for women with cervical cancer and related health issues, … View Profile

    Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable of all cancers. Here are a number of ways it can be easily prevented:

    Vaccination
    Cervical cancer is now largely preventable thanks to the Human Papillomavirus vaccine. Research to develop the vaccine occurred in Brisbane by the 2006 Australian of the Year Dr Ian Frazer who is also ACCF’s Scientific Advisor. In Australia, the National HPV Vaccination Program makes the Gardasil vaccine freely available to girls aged 12 to 13. Gardasil protects against two types of HPV which cause 70%-80% of cervical cancer, as well as two types responsible for causing 90% of genital warts.

    Regular Pap Tests
    Pap tests are vital in the prevention of cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is effective in guarding against approximately 70%-80% of HPV strains but not all. This means that although receiving the vaccination significantly reduces your chances of cervical cancer, regular Pap tests are still essential. Regular Pap tests (once every two years for sexually active women from the age of 18) can serve as an early warning about abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous.

    Not smoking
    Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

    Having fewer partners
    Practicing safe sexual behaviours and having fewer partners decreases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

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