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There are quite a few people who have test anxiety. I am glad I am not one of them. For me, taking a test gives me an idea of how much I know about the subject. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. The CDC provides a quiz on cervical cancer and I thought I would bring the quiz to you.  There are actually 10 questions on the quiz. If you want to take the full quiz, you can click here.

TRUE or FALSE

1. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a virus.    ______
2. Cervical cancer can be prevented.    ______
3. It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding or spotting after you have gone through menopause. ______
4. The Pap test screens for several different kinds of gynecologic cancers._______
5. All women could get a gynecologic cancer._________

ANSWERS

1. Cervical cancer is almost always caused by a virus– TRUE

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is very common in the United States and is passed from one person to another during sex.

• Cervical cancer can be prevented – TRUE

You can prevent cervical cancer by getting the HPV vaccine if you are in the age group for which it is recommended. The best time to get the vaccine is before you are exposed to the HPV. It is recommended for preteens (both boys and girls) aged 11 to 12 years, but can be given as early as age 9 and until age 26. It has recently been approved to age 45 years old for a select group of women. The other way to help get prevent cervical cancer is getting the Pap test. The Pap test helps find cell changes on the cervix so they can be treated before they turn into cancer. The HPV test looks for HPV, which can cause cervical cancer.

• It is normal to have some vaginal bleeding or spotting after you have gone through menopause- FALSE

If you have gone through menopause and have any vaginal bleeding, you should report it to your doctor. For women who have not yet gone through menopause – if you notice that your periods are heavier, last longer than is normal for you, or if you are having unusual bleeding between periods, talk to your doctor.

• The Pap test screens for several different kinds of gynecologic cancers –FALSE

The only cancer the Pap test screens for is cervical. It is not a screening test for ovarian, uterine, vaginal or vulva cancer.  Unfortunately, there are no recommended screening tests for any gynecologic cancer except cervical.

• All women could get a gynecologic cancer – TRUE

All women are at risk. Each gynecologic cancer has different risk factors, and risks increases with age. To help lower your risk: pay attention to your body and know what is normal for you; make healthy choices such as eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight, not smoking, and practicing safe sex; share your family health history with your doctor; get the HPV vaccine if you are at an age when it is recommended: and get screened for cervical cancer regularly.

Take Home Message:

• If you do not recall when you last had a pap test, you probably need to schedule an appointment with your health care provider.
• If you do not know the results of your last pap smear, please find out. I want you to see the results and understand what it means.
• Tell everyone who is eligible to get the HPV vaccine to get it. We have a vaccine that can prevent cancers that are caused by HPV.

For more information on the cervical cancer, please click here.