221. Cut Your Risk of Cervical Cancer


Ways to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer:

  1. •An HPV vaccine is advised for girls 11 to 12 years of age, but can be given from age 9 to age 26. This vaccine can prevent cervical cancer and genital lesions that lead to it.

  2. •Have a Pap test once a year or as often as your doctor advises.

  3. •Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

  4. •Limit sexual partners. The more partners, the greater the risk.

  5. •If you have more than one sex partner, use barrier protective methods, such as a latex or polyurethane condom, diaphragm, or cervical cap with a spermicide.

  6. •Contact your gynecologist if you have pain during intercourse or bleeding or spotting between periods.

Chapter 9

  1. Women’s Health Problems