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  Cervical Cancer Facts |
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 Cervical cancer can usually be prevented if women are screened regularly with a test called the Pap test.
- Any woman who has a cervix can get cervical cancer, especially if she or her sexual partner has had sex with several other partners.
- Women 40 or older have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Getting tested for cervical cancer is important, even if there are no symptoms. Abnormal cells in the cervix and cervical cancer don't always cause symptoms, especially at first.
- When found early and treated, cervical cancer is highly curable.
- Most deaths from cervical cancer can be avoided with regular checkups using the Pap test.
(Information adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  )
Just like any other cancer, the best way to prevent cervical cancer is to lower your risk.
Here are the best ways to lower your risk of cervical cancer:
- Get a pap test to screen for any signs of changes in the cervical cells.
- Get a HPV test.
- Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine and see if it is right for you.
- If you have sex, stay with one partner who only has sex with you; and use a condom.
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More Risk Factor Information
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HPV Infection |
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Cervical infection with HPV (human papilloma virus) is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV infection is very common and only a very small number of women infected with untreated HPV will develop cervical cancer. There are over 80 types of HPV. About 30 types are transmitted sexually (passed from one person to another by sexual contact) and can infect the cervix. Half of these HPV types have been linked to cervical cancer.
There is a vaccine to prevent infection from the two types of HPV that cause approximately 70 percent of cervical cancers, and the two types of HPV that cause 90 percent of genital warts. The vaccine has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other vaccines are under study. The approved vaccine provides protection against infection with these HPV types for at least five years. Studies are ongoing to determine how long the vaccine is effective past the five year period. Currently no booster shots after the initial three are recommended.
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Sexual History |
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HPV infections that cause cervical cancer are spread mainly through sexual contact. Women who begin having sexual intercourse at an early age and women who have had many sexual partners are at a greater risk of HPV infection and developing cervical cancer. Some methods used to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) reduce the risk of cervical cancer. The use of barrier methods (condoms, diaphragm, etc.) of birth control and/or gels that kill sperm offer some protection, but do not completely protect against STDs. |
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Reproductive History |
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Having a high number of full-term pregnancies (7 or more) increases the risk of cervical cancer. |
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Use of Oral Contraceptives |
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Long-term use of oral contraceptives (5 years or more) increases the risk of cervical cancer. |
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Screening History |
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Receiving regular gynecological exams and Pap tests helps to prevent cervical cancer. Abnormal changes in the cervix can be detected (found) by the Pap test and treated before cancer develops. Women who do not regularly have Pap tests have an increased risk of cervical cancer. |
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Smoking |
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Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. |
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Diet |
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Several studies have suggested that certain micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) may reduce the risk of cervical cancer, but this has not been proven.
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