Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
Sex?— A Healthy Sexuality Resource - Government of Nova Scotia
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Useful InformationReducing the Risk <strong>of</strong>CervicalCancerCancer <strong>of</strong> the cervix is a serious condition that all girls and womenneed to be aware <strong>of</strong>. The good news is that a Pap Test can detectchanges in the cervix before they become cancer. When detectedearly, these changes can be treated and cured.The risk for developing cervical canceris increased by:•Having the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)There are many strains <strong>of</strong> HPV. Some cause genital warts, otherscause changes in the cells <strong>of</strong> the cervix that may lead to cancer.HPV is passed from person to person through sexual contact. Youcan now get a vaccination to help protect you from four strains <strong>of</strong>HPV, including the two that cause 70% <strong>of</strong> cervical cancer. If youdidn’t get this vaccine in school, talk to a doctor.•Having sex at a young ageBecause the cells in the cervix are not fully developed, they aremore vulnerable to damage by HPV, the virus linked to causingcervical cancer. This increases the chances <strong>of</strong> developing abnormalchanges in your cervix.100
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