Protective Factors

Vaccine - The HPV vaccine is arguably the greatest protection against cervical cancer among younger women but it must be remembered that it only protects against the 70% caused by HPV infection, so it is still important for vaccinated women to be screened..

Screening - For most women, the best protection is regular screening. Pre-cancerous cell changes do not usually have any symptoms which is why it is so important to have a regular smear test. Any abnormal cells found during screening are generally at an 'early warning' pre-cancer stage and do not cause any symptoms. Treating the abnormal cells prevents cancer developing.

Circumcision - Some research suggests that women with partners who have been circumcised are less likely to get cervical cancer. This may be because men who are circumcised are less likely to get HPV infection.

Personal hygiene - Studies on adenocarcinoma of the cervix in women with HPV infection found that the risk of cancer was almost half in women who had a bath or shower six or more times a week compared with women who bathed or showered one to five times a week.