Cervical Cancer

• Get an HPV vaccine
• Limit exposure to HPV
• Use a condom
• Don’t smoke
• Screening tests
  • Pap smear
  • HPV test
• Intrauterine device (IUD) use – may lower the risk

Resource:

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Cervical Cancer? | CDC

Can Cervical Cancer Be Prevented | Ways to Prevent Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society

• Diethylstilbestrol (DES) (a synthetic estrogen can be carcinogenic to females exposed in utero from use by their mothers)
• Family history of cervical cancer
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Sexual history
  • Becoming sexually active at a young age
  • Having multiple sexual partners
  • Having one partner who is considered high-risk (someone with HPV infection or who has many sexual partners)
• Smoking
• Having a weakened immune system
• Chlamydia infection
• Long-term use of oral contraceptives
• Having multiple full-term pregnancies
• Young age at first full-term pregnancy
• Economic status
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables

Resource: Cervical Cancer Risk Factors | Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer | American Cancer Society

• Most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another through sexual activity.
• With the advent of the HPV vaccine and regular Pap screening tests, most cervical cancers can now be prevented.
• In 2026, it is estimated that 13,490 women will be diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer in the U.S. and 4,200 patients will lose their battle with the disease.
• Although the number of new cases has been declining over the past decades in the U.S., thanks to Pap screening, cervical cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer for women worldwide.
• The death rate in African American women and Native American women is about 55% and 80%, respectively, than in Caucasian women.

Source: American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2024; World Health Organization 2024

The NFCR-Supported and Past-Supported Researchers have programs that will prevent, detect and improve outcomes for cervical cancer patients.

Select a research below to learn more about their specific work.