As the second leading type of cancer in women worldwide, cervical cancer can be prevented by following routine gynecologic care.

"The ability to screen for cervical cancer makes it a largely preventable disease," says gynecologic oncologist Nimesh P. Nagarsheth, M.D., associate director of Robotic Surgery at Englewood Hospital and Medical Center and assistant professor, division of Gynecologic Oncology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "Making regular visits to an OB/GYN is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent cervical cancer and preserve a woman’s cervical health in the future."

Many cervical cancers develop in the transition zone, where two types of cervical cells converge. Physicians are able to use tests, such as an annual Pap smear, to analyze a cervical cell sample for abnormalities. The test can find pre-cancerous cells, which can be removed before they transform into cancer cells.

While testing guidelines for Pap smears are dependent upon a person’s age and level of sexual activity, general recommendations are that a woman should have her first Pap smear beginning at age 21. The reason for these guidelines — and the vaccine — is that a large percentage of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus. The vaccine, together with regular testing, may be enough to prevent cancer in many women. The Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine in June 2006 for use in guarding against four common types of HPV. The vaccine is given in three doses over a six-month period. It is recommended for women ages 9 to 26.

"Even if a woman falls outside these age ranges, she can take responsibility for her cervical health through regular pelvic exams and Pap smears," says Dr. Nagarsheth. "Treatment options to remove cancerous cells exist, but these options can only be made available to a patient if she takes the initiative to keep her physician visits and tests up-to-date."