Of all the common cancer that affect woman, cervical cancer is among the top list. Sexually transmitted HPV (human papillomavirus) is the culprit in most cases of cervical cancers. Over half of the cervical cancer reported cases occur in women between 40 and 55 although it is not uncommon for women of 35 to be amongst the risk group. The bodys immune system works to keep the HPV from doing damage, yet the HPV virus can last for years and over time it takes some cells on the surface and turns them to cervix cancer cells. Routine and periodic screening from paps tests can help you catch this early and thus this has helped reduce the number of deaths in women in the United States, but still we lose 4,000 to 5,000 women a year to cervical cancers.

In research the things, which increase risk of cervical cancer may include large numbers of sexual partners, which increase risk of HPV. Having other sexually transmitted diseases also increase you chances of cervical cancer. Weak immune system periods can increase your bodies ability to keep the HPV at bay. Early sexual activity can also cause a problem, due to non-mature cells being more apt to take on the cancer cell growth. Even smoking although research is not conclusive may in fact inhibit your bodies defenses against HPV.

Your strategy for reduction of risk of the HPV and cervical cancer damage should include routine and periodic paps tests. Ask your doctor for additional information and do your own research on this. It is smart to pay attention and early screening is the key to saving lives. Think on this.