Cervical cancer is one of the commonest cancer in females. An awareness of the risk factors(factors associated with increased chance of future development)is important for the general population. These are:

1)Smoking
2)Large number of pregnancies(more than 7)
3)Human Papilloma virus(HPV) is the number one risk factor.It assumes a major role as a very prevalent and preventable factor. A new survey by National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)has revealed a unexpectedly high prevalence (about one in four) of HPV among females. Alarming as the figures are, the frequency is particularly high in the age group 20-24 years(45%). Among the various HPV types(over 80 types known), HPV-16 appears to be the most strongly predictive of cancer and also has a high frequency. A new vaccine(GARDASIL), recommended in 2006,is 100% effective against most of the dangerous HPV types and is already in the market. Some, but not all, insurance plans cover the vaccine.

4) Other risk factors include ; contraceptive pill use(a marginally high chance), early and prolonged sexual activity and failure to attend clinics for a regular pap smear.

All these risk factors emphasize the importance of quitting smoking, HPV vaccine, refraining from sexual promiscuity, regular pap smears and counseling on contraceptive use in preventing cervical cancer.

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