Every year in the U.S., nearly 13,000 women are diagnosed with and 4,100 women die from cervical cancer. Many of the main risk factors are out of your control, but a number of smart lifestyle choices reduces your risk for developing the disease. Early detection and prompt intervention is usually the most critical factor for successful treatment.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors
- Only females are affected (the cervix is part of the uterus)
- Being infected by HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Being 20 to 50 years of age
- Being infected with chlamydia
- Being infected with HIV or AIDS
- Being overweight
- A family history of cervical cancer (especially affecting close relatives)
- Use of tobacco products
- Long-term use of oral contraceptives (“the pill”)
- Having at least 3 full-term pregnancies
How to Lower Your Risk of Cervical Cancer
- Get vaccinated against HPV
- Exercise for at least 30-45 minutes most days of the week
- Stay at a healthy weight
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Quit smoking—or never start
- Practice safe sex with condoms to help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with increased risk of cervical cancer
- Consider alternatives to oral birth control for prolonged use
Encouraging Early Detection of Cervical Cancer
- Cervical cancer and pre-cancer are found with Pap tests; the American Cancer Society recommends that women 21 to 29 get one every 3 years, and that women age 30 to 65 either get one every 3 years or get one plus an HPV screening every 5 years
- Ask your doctor about increased screenings if you have a suppressed immune system
- Most women over 65, or who have undergone a total hysterectomy, don’t need screenings; if this applies to you, ask your doctor
