You can treat early cervical cell changes (dysplasia), which can reduce your risk for cervical cancer. You can also reduce your risk factors for abnormal cell changes.

Have regular Pap test screening

The Pap test is the most effective screening test for cervical cancer. Pap tests done at regular intervals almost always detect cervical cell changes before the changes become cancerous. Regular screening for and treatment of cervical cell abnormalities can prevent the abnormal cell changes from developing into cancer. It is important to follow up with your doctor after any abnormal Pap test result.

Quit smoking

Women who smoke have a higher risk of developing cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.^{12, 2} The reason for this is not fully understood, but quitting smoking may decrease this risk. Not smoking has many other health benefits. Nonsmokers have a lower risk of other cancers and heart disease. Being around secondhand smoke may also increase your risk of developing cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer.^{12, 2}

Vaccine

In 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Gardasil (HPV vaccine(What is a PDF document?)). It protects against four types of HPV, which together cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. Three shots are given over 6 months. Gardasil is recommended for girls 11 to 12 years old. The immunization is also recommended for females 13 to 26 years old who did not receive it when they were younger. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years old. Studies show that the vaccine is safe and works well to help prevent cervical cancer and genital warts.¹³

For more information see:

Should my daughter get the HPV vaccine?

Reduce your risk of a sexually transmitted disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) often cause abnormal Pap tests and can lead to other serious health problems. Preventing an STD is easier than treating an infection after it occurs. The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with a high-risk type of the human papillomavirus (HPV). Since the HPV virus may remain in body cells for life, abnormal cervical cell changes that cause cervical cancer can be the result of either you or your partner having had an HPV infection years earlier. HPV infection usually does not cause symptoms, so you or your partner may not be aware of a current or past HPV infection.

To reduce your risk:

• Talk with your partner about STDs before beginning a sexual relationship. Find out if he or she is at risk for an STD. Remember that it is quite possible to be infected with an STD without knowing it. Some STDs, such as HIV, can take up to 6 months before they are detected in the blood.
• Be responsible.
  • Avoid sexual contact if you have symptoms of an STD or are being treated for an STD.
  • Avoid all intimate sexual contact with anyone who has symptoms of an STD or who may have been exposed to an STD.
• The fewer sex partners you have in your lifetime, the better it is for your health. Your risk for an STD increases if you have several sex partners.
• Use male or female condoms to reduce the risk of getting an STD. Using male condoms when you have sex has been shown to reduce your risk of getting HPV.¹⁴ Female condoms may help also, although there has been less study of this type of protection.

Not having sex is the only certain way to prevent exposure to STDs. Sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV) can be spread to or from the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat during sexual activities.