Cervical cancer has a particularity: we know how to prevent it. Caused in almost all cases by papillomaviruses (HPV), it can be avoided through vaccination and detected very early through screening. This dual strategy makes it one of the most preventable cancers. You still have to take advantage of it.
1. The role of papillomaviruses (HPV)
Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with certain papillomaviruses, very common viruses and most often transmitted during intercourse. In most cases, the infection goes away on its own; it is its persistence which can, over time, cause lesions and then cancer.
2. Vaccination, upstream prevention
Vaccination against HPV protects against the viruses most involved in this cancer. It is recommended before the start of sexual life, during adolescence, for girls and boys. It is primary prevention: it acts even before any infection.
| Tool | Role | Moment |
|---|---|---|
| HPV vaccine | Prevent infection | Adolescence, before intercourse |
| Smears | Detect abnormal cells | From 25 years |
| HPV test | Detect the virus | From 30 years old |
3. Screening, to detect early
Screening complements vaccination: it makes it possible to identify precancerous lesions before they develop. It is based on the smear between the ages of 25 and 29, then on the HPV test every five years from the ages of 30 to 65. This screening remains useful even in vaccinated women.
4. A two-pronged winning strategy
Vaccination and screening complement each other: the vaccine reduces the risk of infection, screening detects and allows possible lesions to be treated early. Together, they offer remarkable protection against this cancer.
- Have adolescents (girls and boys) vaccinated against HPV
- Carry out screening according to the recommended schedule
- Continue screening even if vaccinated
Few cancers offer such a possibility of prevention: talking about it with your doctor ensures that you don't miss out.
💡 tips to remember
- Cervical cancer is caused in almost all cases by papillomaviruses (HPV): it is one of the rare preventable cancers.
- HPV vaccination, recommended in adolescence for girls and boys, protects even before any infection.
- Screening is based on smears from 25 to 29 years old, then the HPV test every 5 years from 30 to 65 years old.
- Screening remains useful even in vaccinated women: the two strategies complement each other.
- Vaccination and screening together offer remarkable protection: I talk to my doctor about it so as not to miss out.
