Cervical Cancer Resources and Facts

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the bottom opening of a woman’s uterus. Cervical cancer is caused by a virus known as the human papilloma virus (HPV).

HOW CAN I PREVENT CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer is preventable, know the facts:

• Learn your risk factors;
• Get regular screening Pap tests that can catch early signs of abnormal cells in the cervix; and
• Ask your doctor if the HPV vaccine is right for you.

CERVICAL CANCER IN TEXAS

In Texas, over 5,400 women were told they had cervical cancer from 2000 to 2004 (Cervical Cancer in Texas, 2006 Report). Over half of new cases of cervical cancer are found in women under 50. Each year, about 335 women in Texas will die from cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is preventable! Together, The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and the Texas Cancer Council developed a plan for activities to reduce cervical cancer in Texas (Texas Cervical Cancer Strategic Plan).