What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a serious disease that can be life-threatening.^‡ It starts when normal cells on your cervix turn into abnormal precancerous cells (or lesions). Pap tests check for abnormal cells, so they can be monitored or removed through procedures such as a biopsy (removing the cells by surgery or laser).

If these cells aren't caught and treated, they could lead to cervical cancer over time. Treatments for cervical cancer include radiation, chemotherapy, or in some cases, a hysterectomy (removal of the womb).

Who is affected by cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer can affect young women in their 20's and 30's. It's the second most common cancer in women aged 20 to 44, after breast cancer.^* In fact:

• – Every day, one Canadian woman dies of cervical cancer.^†
• – Every six hours, another Canadian woman is diagnosed with cervical cancer.

Does cervical cancer run in families?

No. Unlike most cancers, cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called HPV (Human Papillomavirus). This means that you can actually do something to help prevent it from occurring.

What causes cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV infection. Up to 4 out of 5 females will be infected with HPV during their lifetime.^‡ In most cases, HPV doesn't cause any symptoms and goes away on its own. But if you have an infection that doesn't clear, it may lead to cervical cancer over time.

Are there different types of HPV?

Yes. Low-risk types do not cause cervical cancer, while high-risk types can cause cervical cancer.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. The truth is, you can be infected with cancer-causing HPV after only one exposure to someone who has the virus. And while condoms provide some protection, HPV can still be spread through contact with areas that aren't covered. In other words, you can get HPV through oral or hand-genital contact – not just intercourse.

Can you get HPV more than once?

Yes. Even if you have been exposed to HPV, your body may not develop long-term protection against it. That means you could be infected again. Each time, there's a risk the virus won't go away and could lead to cervical cancer.

What is a Pap test?

A Pap test helps find early abnormal cells in the cervix that could become cancerous. During the test, a small sample of cells is lightly scraped from the surface of the cervix and sent to a lab for testing. It's very important to get regular Pap tests, as they can help detect abnormal cells – so they can be treated. Your doctor can tell you how often you should be tested.

Why is it important to help protect myself now?

HPV infections are most common in teens and young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. If you become infected with HPV, there's no way to know for sure whether your body will clear the virus. If it doesn't, cervical cancer could develop.

So now what?

Hopefully, now you know a little more about your cervix and the risks of cervical cancer. The next step is to talk with your doctor. It might not be the easiest conversation, but asking about the different ways you can protect yourself – including regular Pap tests – is a great place to start.

How does Cervarix^® work?

The Cervarix^® vaccine works by helping your body produce antibodies against the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer (HPV 16 and 18). Antibodies help destroy viruses like HPV that could lead to disease. To boost your body's response to Cervarix^® leading to long-lasting antibody levels, the vaccine contains an adjuvant – a component made from natural compounds that enhances your body's response to Cervarix^® by providing stronger and longer protection.

Pap tests check for precancerous cells that are already on the cervix. With the Cervarix^® vaccine, you have a chance to help prevent cervical cancer by protecting yourself against the HPV types that cause most cases in the first place (HPV 16 and 18).

Studies are ongoing to determine the duration of protection. In clinical trials, sustained protection has been observed for up to 8.4 years after the first dose.

Will I still need to get Pap tests?

Yes. While Cervarix^® helps protect against the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer, it doesn't protect against all HPV types. That's why it's very important to get regular Pap tests, as they can help detect abnormal cells which can be treated.

I'm not sexually active yet. Can Cervarix^® benefit me?

Yes. By getting the Cervarix^® vaccine, you can help prevent infection associated with the most common cancer-causing HPV types (HPV 16 and 18) before you engage in any sexual activity.

Can I still benefit from Cervarix^® if I'm already sexually active?

Yes. Cervarix^® can help protect yourself against the most common high-risk HPV types linked to cervical cancer (HPV 16 and 18). Even if you have been exposed to HPV, you may not have been exposed to one of these high-risk types.

If you're currently infected with HPV 16 or 18, Cervarix^® can help protect you against the other type. In addition, if the infection clears, Cervarix^® has been shown to provide protection in the event of re-exposure.

How many vaccinations will I need?

Cervarix^® is given as a series of 3 vaccinations. It's very important that you get all 3 doses. Why? Unless you get all 3, you're not as protected as you can be. Having all three doses helps your body get the best possible response from Cervarix^®.

The second Cervarix^® dose is 1 month after the first dose, and the third Cervarix^® dose is 6 months after the first dose. If you need the schedule to be more flexible, talk to your doctor about timing. You can get the second vaccination from 1 to 2.5 months after the first dose, and the third from 5 to 12 months after the first dose.

Can I get HPV from the vaccine?

No. Cervarix^® is not infectious, so it can't cause HPV-related diseases.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, Cervarix^® may cause side effects, although not everyone is affected. You may experience some pain, discomfort, redness or swelling at the injection site. These usually clear up within a few days.

Other potential side effects: Very common (may occur with more than 1 in 10 doses): Headache, aching muscles, muscle tenderness or weakness not caused by exercise, and fatigue. Common (may occur with up to 1 in 10 doses): Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, itching, red skin rash, hives, joint pain, and fever (≥38°C). Uncommon (may occur with up to 1 in 100 doses): Upper respiratory tract infection, dizziness, other injection site reactions such as hard lump, tingling or numbness, and swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin. Rare (may occur with up to 1 in 1,000 doses): allergic reaction, and fainting sometimes accompanied by shaking or stiffness.

Your doctor may ask you to stay behind for a short time after receiving the vaccine.

NOTE: If you have any unexpected effects while taking Cervarix^®, please talk to your doctor.