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Gynecologic Oncology Program

Cervical Cancer

Risk Factors and Prevention

The best way for any woman to prevent cervical cancer is to have yearly Pap tests to screen for abnormal cells on the cervix.

If abnormal cells are found in the Pap test, they can be treated before cancerous cells develop. Women should get annual Pap tests throughout their lifetime, beginning at about age 18.

A number of other health conditions may contribute to a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer. Women who are at increased risk for cervical cancer should discuss with their doctors how often to get Pap tests. Risk factors for cervical cancer include the following:

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection: Infection with HPV, a sexually transmitted disease, is associated with increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

• HIV infection: Infection with HIV suppresses the body's immune system and makes it difficult to fight off early cancers as well as infections.

• Smoking: Women who smoke are twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop cancer of the cervix because tobacco smoke produces chemicals that may damage the cells of the cervix.

This page was last updated on: March 3, 2008.

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