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Cervical Cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer deaths associated with American Women.

The cervix is the lower part of a woman's uterus.  Cervical cancer starts in the lining of the cervix.  The tissue goes through a series of changes and does not form into cancer suddenly.  The changes start with normal tissue advancing to pre-cancer and then to cancer.   

womanEarly cervical pre-cancers or early stages of cervical cancer usually do not have any symptoms.  However, cancer that is later in progression can have the following symptoms: unusual discharge from the vagina, spotting (light bleeding) between periods, and bleeding or pain during sex.  While these symptoms could indicate cervical cancer, they can also be signs of other reproductive problems, and they should be addressed by your doctor. 

An important part in screening for cervical cancer is having Pap tests performed as recommended.  Pap tests can find changes in the cells of the cervix.  If pre-cancerous lesions are caught early through a Pap test they can be taken care of before they progress into cancer. 

The American Cancer Society recommends the following regarding when and how often to have a Pap test.        

bullet All women should begin having the Pap test about 3 years after they start having sex, but no later than 21 years of age.
bullet Pap tests should be done every year if the regular Pap test is used, or every 2 to 3 years if the newer liquid Pap test is used. Either test is OK.
bullet Beginning at age 30, women who have had 3 normal test results in a row may get the test every 2 to 3 years.
bullet Women who have certain risk factors (HIV infection, weakened immune system) should have a Pap test every year.
bullet Women 70 years of age or older who have had 3 or more normal tests in a row (and no abnormal tests in the last 10 years) may choose to stop having the test.  Women who have had cervical cancer or who have other risk factors should keep having the test as long as they are in good health.
bullet Women who have had a total hysterectomy for reasons other than having cancer or a precancerous lesion may also choose to stop having the test.

** These are recommendations; please consult with your doctor about your Pap test schedule.

If you are 40 years of age or older and underinsured, you could be eligible for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project. This project offers free Pap tests to women who qualify. For more information, call the toll free number - 1-800-929-6626.