Just the facts: cervical cancer Published Nov. 10, 2009 By Maj. Tamra Johnson 6th Medical Group Health Integrator MACDILL AFB, Fla. -- Approximately 11,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the United States and almost 4,000 women die of cervical cancer each year. Fortunately women could potentially avoid the consequences of cervical cancer by undergoing a Papanicolaou test (Pap smear) during their routine health exams. Young women may also further decrease their chances of contracting cervical cancer by receiving a vaccine. The cells of the cervix can change due to many factors but the most identified cause is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). Statistics reveal about 80 percent of sexually active people have been exposed to HPV. There are many strains of HPV but two in particular have been shown to increase the likelihood that cervical cells will become precancerous if they are present. Two other strains cause genital warts. HPV can be "dormant" so women could possibly have it for many months or years before cell changes occur and in many cases the HPV infection goes away on its own. There are two ways to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The first is to become immunized with the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is a three-injection series that's given to girls or women between the ages of 9 and 26 to protect against the four high-risk strains (two for cervical cancer and two for genital warts). Although men also become infected with HPV, they rarely have cellular changes as a result. Testing of the vaccine is ongoing for men but it is currently only approved for females. If a person has already had a strain of HPV, the vaccine can still be useful to protect against the other strains. However, it's best to give the vaccine to females before they become sexually active for the best protection. The second method of reducing cervical cancer incidence is by getting regular Pap smears. If abnormal cells are found, they can be treated most often by a minimally invasive office procedure. The earlier an abnormality is detected, the easier it is to treat. The 6th Medical Group main and Brandon Clinics can perform Pap smears and administer the HPV vaccine. If you are a woman who has not had cervical cancer screening in the past year, please call 828-2273 to request an appointment. You can also go to the 6th Medical Group's Immunization Clinic without an appointment for your HPV vaccine if you or your daughter are within the age range and are eligible for care on base. (Note: The Brandon Clinic can only book appointments for or give immunizations to women enrolled to the Brandon Clinic.) A pelvic examination including a Pap smear is also a covered benefit for non-active duty women at a civilian clinic that accepts Tricare. Contact the Tricare Service Center at (800) 444-5445 for more information.