Cervical cancer prevention: Tips for the primary care physician
Have the conversation. Educate women about cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV), including cervical cancer. |
Screen all women for cervical cancer and ensure adequate follow-up of abnormal tests by implementing patient reminders and interactive telephone counseling. |
Routinely offer HPV vaccination with other required vaccinations. Introduce the HPV vaccine as a vaccine for cancer prevention, as opposed to a vaccine related to sexually transmitted disease. |
Vaccinate all children equally. Do not offer the vaccine based on perceived risk factors. In other words, do not assume certain children are not at risk. |
Educate patients about risk factors for cervical cancer. |