• Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the lower narrow part of the uterus.
• Although the majority of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed between ages of 35 and 55 – the majority of these women were probably exposed to cancer causing cells in their teens or 20’s.
• Cervical cancer does not discriminate. Women of all ages, races, backgrounds, education levels, and countries can get cervical cancer.
• 11,070 women per year are diagnosed with cervical cancer. This is about 30 women per day, or about 1 every hour.
• One of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer is to get a regular Pap Test by your gynecologist.
• A Pap test does not prevent Cervical Cancer. A pap test can spot abnormal cells (caused by HPV) in the lining of the cervix before they have a chance to become cervical cancer, and usually, they can be removed.
• Every 2 minutes, a woman dies from Cervical Cancer.
• Cervical Cancer is the third most common gynecological cancer in the United States.
• According to the American Cancer Society, the approximate 5-year survival rate is for Stage I cervical cancer is between 80 and 95%.  For women diagnosed with Stage IV, the survival rate is 25%.
• If gone untreated, Cervical Cancer can lead to death.

National Cervical Cancer Coalition

Magee Womens Research Institute & Foundation

American Cancer Society

The Gynecological Cancer Foundation

The Cervical Cancer Campaign

The Pearl of Wisdom Campaign

Tamika and Friends, Inc.

Merck Pharmaceuticals - Gardasil Vaccine

GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals - Cevarix Vaccine

Qiagen - The HPV Test

Michelle Lee Whitlock - Survivor & Advocate

Say Something Campaign

Christine Baze - Survivor, Advocate & Musician

The Yellow Umbrella

• HPV stands for Human Papilloma (pap-il-oh-ma) –Virus
• HPV is a common virus that can affect both Men and Women.
• There are about 30 different types of HPV that affect the genital area.
• The most commonly diagnosed types are 6, 11, 16 and 18.
• HPV Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of Genital Warts cases.
• HPV Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of Cervical Cancer cases.
• All types of genital HPV can cause abnormal Pap Test results.
• According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a woman’s first Pap Test (Pap Smear) should be 3 years after becoming sexually active, or at age 21 – whichever occurs first.  After that, a Pap Test should be part of a yearly exam.
• For most people, HPV will clear up on its own, but for some women who do not clear certain types of the virus, Cervical Cancer can develop.
• There are an estimated 6 million new cases of genital HPV in the United States every year. 74% of these cases occur in 15-24 year olds. This is about 4 million young adults per year and 12,000 per day.
• The Center for Disease control (CDC) estimates that 8 out of 10 women will become infected with genital HPV in their lifetime.
• About 60% of women become infected with HPV during their college years.
• HPV often has no sign or symptoms, so most people don’t realize that they have it. This means that people can pass the virus on without knowing it.
• There is only one sure-fire way to prevent HPV – to avoid any sexual activity that involves contact with the genital area.
• The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls aged 9-26 years old. It should be given before sexual activity begins (before contact with the HPV virus.)
• The Center for Disease Control (CDC) says that condoms may reduce the risk of getting HPV if used constantly and correctly. However, HPV can affect areas that are not covered by a condom, so condoms may not fully protect against HPV.
• HPV is also linked to other less common cancers such as vaginal and vulvar (cancer of the vulva). About half of the diagnosed cases of cancer of the vulva and vagina are caused by HPV.
• 80% of all sexually active women will have an HPV infection by age 50, often without any symptoms. For most women, your immune system will fight off the infection in 6 to 24 months. HPV is as common as a cold, so there is no need to be embarrassed or ashamed.