Stay HealthyCervical CancerWhat is cervical Cancer Usually, a cancer is named for the part of the body where it starts. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus (womb). The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes almost all cervical cancer. This virus is transferred sexually and can live many years. How do you know if you have cervical cancer?It can be hard to tell if you have cervical cancer because you may not have any symptoms. The best way to guard against cervical cancer is to get a regular Pap test to check for any unhealthy changes in the cells of your cervix. A Pap test can catch these changes before they have a chance to become cancerous. Who is at risk for cervical cancer?Women of all ages get cervical cancer. However, women in the following ethnic and socio-economic groups have a greater chance of getting it than others:
Women aged 65 and older have lower rates of cervical cancer than younger women. However, when women in this age group do have cervical cancer, they are more likely to die than are younger women with cervical cancer. About half of all women over 65 have not had a Pap test in the past three years. This means if cancer is found, it will be found at a later stage and harder to treat successfully. What is Medicare doing to help?
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