The average age for true cervical cancer to be diagnosed is in the mid 50s. This difference in the ages where precancerous changes are most frequently diagnosed and the age of cancer diagnosis highlights the slow progression of this disease and the reason why it can be prevented if adequate steps are taken. Early age at first intercourse is associated with increased risk. Abstinence is recommended as one way to prevent the transmission of human papilloma virus. Likewise, barrier protection, such as condom use may prevent HPV infection, although this has not yet been fully studied.
Cigarette smoking is another risk factor for cervical cancer that can be prevented.
Quitting smoking may decrease your chances of developing cervical cancer. In addition to altering your lifestyle and sexual choices to avoid HPV infection, you can take several other steps to prevent cervical cancer. These steps involve the detection of precancerous changes in the cervix and early treatment of these changes before they have a chance to progress to invasive cervical cancer. The Pap smear is a method of staining, or coloring, cells taken from the cervix to identify abnormal changes more easily. The Pap smear is performed easily in your doctor's office and involves a pelvic examination with a vaginal speculum.