• ♦ Cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers.
• ♦ Pap tests can find problems before cervical cancer has had a chance to develop. Pap tests can also find cervical cancer early. When it is found early, the chance of being cured is very high.
• ♦ The primary cause of cervical cancer is infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).
• ♦ HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States.
• ♦ Women who begin having sex at an early age or who have many sexual partners are at increased risk or HPV and cervical cancer.
• ♦ A woman may be infected with HPV even if she has had only one sexual partner.
• ♦ Most cervical precancers develop slowly, so nearly all cases can be prevented if a woman is screened regularly.
• ♦ When cervical cancer is found at its earliest, most treatable stage, the chance of surviving for at least five years is 92%!

Early Detection is Your Best Protection!

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk For Cancer?

Risk factors are things that increase your chance of getting cancer. You can do nothing about some risk factors, like age and family history. But there are some things you can do to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.

• ♦ Fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (such as walking) into your daily routine
• ♦ Eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables every day
• ♦ Strive for a healthy weight
• ♦ Don’t smoke
• ♦ Don’t drink alcohol, or limit alcohol use (less than one drink per day for women)

Citations:

New Mexico Cancer Facts and Figures 2007 American Cancer Society.

Cancer Facts & Figures 2008. Atlanta: American Cancer Society; 2008.

American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Figures 2006