What Raises Your Risk

A risk factor raises your chances of getting a disease. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get cervical cancer, but it may make it more likely.

Risk factors you cannot change

• Family history – If your mother or sister had cervical cancer, your risk may be slightly higher.
• Age – Cervical cancer is most common between ages 35 and 44. More than 20% of cases are in women over 65 (especially if they were not screened regularly).
• DES exposure – Some women whose mothers took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy (1940–1971) may have a higher risk.

Risk factors you can possibly change:

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection – Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. The HPV vaccine protects against types of HPV that often cause cancer.
• Not having regular Pap tests – Without regular screening, precancerous cells may not be found early.
• Weakened immune system – From HIV infection or medicines that lower immunity.
• Sexual history – Having sex at a young age, many partners or a partner with HPV or at high risk for HPV.
• Smoking – Women who smoke are about twice as likely to get cervical cancer.
• Oral contraceptives – Using birth control pills for five years or more may raise risk, but risk goes down after stopping.

How to Lower Your Risk

The good news: Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can often be prevented. The HPV vaccine and regular screening tests are the best protection.

1. Get the HPV Vaccine

• Recommended at ages 11-12 (can start as early as 9)
• Both girls and boys should be vaccinated
• Teens and young adults up to age 26 should get the vaccine if they haven’t already
• Adults ages 27-45 may also benefit — ask your health care provider
• Free options for eligible families: Your local health department and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program

2. Get Regular Screening Tests

• Pap test (Pap smear): Looks for abnormal cells on the cervix
• HPV test: Looks for the virus that causes cervical cancer

When to Get Screened

• Ages 21-29: Pap test every three years (if results are normal)
• Ages 30-65: Talk to your provider about which testing option is right for you:
  • HPV test every five years (if normal), or
  • HPV and Pap tests every five years (if both normal) or
  • Pap test every three years (if normal)
• Ages 65 and older: Your provider may tell you that you don’t need screening any longer if:
  • You’ve had regular normal results and no history of precancer.
  • Your cervix was removed as part of a total hysterectomy for non-cancerous conditions, like fibroids

Preparing for Your Pap Test

• Try to avoid scheduling during your period
• Avoid sex, douching, tampons and vaginal medicines/creams for 48 hours before

What to Expect

During the pap test, your provider will use a plastic or metal instrument, called a speculum. The speculum widens your vagina. This allows your provider to examine the vagina and cervix and collect cells. Your provider sends the cells to a lab for testing.

Learn how cervical cancer is diagnosed and treated: Diagnosis and Treatment