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Cervical cancer
Prevention
HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact with any infected part of the body — but using a condom every time you have sex can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HPV, according to a 2006 study.
In addition to using condoms, the best ways to prevent cervical cancer are to:
Delay first intercourse
Have fewer sexual partners
Avoid smoking
Pap test (子宮頸抹片檢查) guidelines
Routine Pap tests are the most effective way to detect cervical cancer in the earliest stages. Work with your doctor to determine the best schedule for Pap tests. Current guidelines suggest:
1. An initial Pap test within three years of when you begin having sex or at age 21, whichever comes first.
2. From ages 21 to 29, a regular Pap test every year or a liquid-based test every two years.
3. From ages 30 to 69, a regular Pap test every two years or a liquid-based test every three years if you've had three normal Pap tests in a row.
4. From age 70 on, you may stop having Pap tests if you've had three or more normal tests in a row and no abnormal results in the last 10 years.
If you're at high risk of cervical cancer, you'll need more frequent Pap tests. If you've had a hysterectomy, talk with your doctor about whether to continue getting Pap tests. If the hysterectomy was done for a noncancerous condition, such as fibroids, you may discontinue routine Pap tests, but not pelvic exams. If the hysterectomy was done for a precancerous or cancerous condition, your vaginal canal still needs to be checked for abnormal changes.
Cervical cancer vaccine
A new vaccine known as Gardasil offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV — the virus that causes most cervical cancers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the vaccine in June 2006. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends routine vaccination for girls age 11 and 12, as well as girls and women ages 13 to 26 if they haven't received the vaccine already. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active.
Although the vaccine could prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, it can't prevent infection with every virus that causes cervical cancer. Routine Pap tests to screen for cervical cancer remain important.
[ 本帖最後由 goodoctor 於 2006-12-4 09:58 編輯 ] |
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