Cervical Cancer
Half of all newly diagnosed cases of cervical cancer are in women over age 47. Virtually all cervical cancers are related to infections by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is spread from person to person through sex. HPV infection is more common in women who have had unprotected sex, those who have had many sexual partners, and those who have had sex with men who have had many sexual partners. Other risk factors include: being HIV positive, smoking, and age. Additionally, African American, Hispanic, and Native American women experience above-average death rates from cervical cancer.
Routine Pap smears or liquid-based tests that evaluate cells taken from the cervix will help reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer.
For more information, please visit The John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center’s website.