Know Your Body.
Protect Your Future.

A friendly guide to HPV, Pap Smear screening, and cervical cancer prevention — because knowledge is the best medicine.

Part 1

What is HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. Most infections clear on their own — but some high-risk strains can lead to cervical cancer if left undetected.Persistent infections are the ones that need attention.

Super Common

About 80% of sexually active people will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime. You're not alone!

Often Silent

Most HPV infections have no symptoms. That's why regular screening is so important — it catches what you can't feel.

High vs Low Risk

Low-risk strains may cause genital warts. High-risk strains (especially HPV 16 & 18) are linked to cervical cancer.

Part 2

The Pap Smear — Your Superpower

A Pap smear (or Pap test) is a simple, quick procedure that collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes before they become cancer. It's one of the most effective cancer screenings ever invented.

1

✅ Schedule It

Women should start Pap smears at age 21, and repeat every 3 years (or every 5 years combined with an HPV test after age 30).

2

✅ The Exam (It's Quick!)

You lie on an exam table. A speculum gently opens the vagina so the doctor can gently brush cells from the cervix — takes about 2 minutes.

3

✅ Lab Analysis

Your cells are sent to the lab and checked for abnormalities. Results usually come back within a few days to 2 weeks.

4

✅ Know Your Results

Normal = great news, see you in 3 years! Abnormal = further tests may be needed. Early abnormalities are very treatable.

5

✅ HPV Co-test Option

A Pap smear can be combined with an HPV DNA test for even stronger protection — two birds, one swab!

Part 3

Cervical Cancer — Facts & Hope

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers thanks to vaccination and screening. When caught early, survival rates are excellent.

99% of cervical cancers
caused by HPV

>90% survival rate when
caught at Stage I

~10yrs from HPV infection to
cancer development

Risk Factors

Persistent high-risk HPV, smoking, weakened immune system, long-term contraceptive pill use, multiple pregnancies.

Warning Signs

Unusual bleeding (after sex, between periods, post-menopause), pelvic pain, unusual discharge. But early cancer often has NO signs!

Stages

From Stage 0 (pre-cancer / CIN) to Stage IV. Most cases found via Pap smear are caught at pre-cancerous or very early stages.

Part 4

Prevention Power — Your Plan

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers on the planet. Here's your action plan:

Get the HPV Vaccine

Ideally ages 9–14, but beneficial up to age 26 (sometimes 45). Protects against the highest-risk HPV strains.

Regular Pap Smears

Don't skip your screening! Starting at 21, every 3–5 years. It's the single best way to catch pre-cancer early.

Know Your Body

Report unusual symptoms to your doctor promptly. Listen to your body — it's always talking to you.