Each year about 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer according to the Centers for Disease Control, and regular Pap tests and an HPV vaccine can help decrease that number. Dr. Phillip Bruner at Washington County Hospital and Clinics recommends the vaccine to prevent it. According to the CDC, about 79 million Americans have HPV – human papillomavirus, and many don’t know they are infected. Certain strains of HPV lead to cervical cancer.

Bruner recommends getting the vaccine before exposure between the ages of nine and 26. Also, he says women should have an annual exam with a routine Pap test every three years if they have normal results.