However the biggest risk factor is being a woman. Your best defense is early detection, because the earlier the cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. The American Cancer Society recommends that you conduct monthly self-breast exams, have annual clinical breast exams, and have a mammogram every year after age 40. The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 15,000 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed this year. Most can be caught in the early stages and cured, however approximately one third of the cases will be in advanced stages and result in death.
Cervical cancer can develop any woman who is or who has been sexually active.
Your risk is higher if you have had multiple sexual partners or if your partner has had multiple partners. You are at highest risk if you do not have regular Pap tests, are infected with HIV, have genital warts, or have a history of sexually transmitted diseases. Now that we have the Pap smear test, cervical changes can be quickly identified and treated before they become cancer. If you are over the age of 18 or are sexually active then you should have a Pap test and gynecological exam every year. Back to Top Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer affects the lower digestive tract.