Message to the Ladies

• Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of cervical cancer. Thus, beginning sexual activity at an early age and having multiple sex partners are factors that put women at increased risk of acquiring HPV and developing cervical cancer. Many women become infected with HPV that does not progress to cervical cancer. Immunosuppression and cigarette smoking are risk factors for progression to cervical cancer.
• The FDA has approved Gardasil, a vaccine against several common HPV strains, for females between the ages of 9 and 26 years as a way to prevent cervical cancer.