Cervical Cancer
The National Cancer Institute estimates there were more than 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer in 2010. Even though it most often happens in women age 30 and older, all women are at risk.*
Cervical cancer is most often caused by a group of viruses known as human papillomaviruses (HPV), a common virus that can be passed during sexual contact.
At least half of all sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. Most people's immune systems are able fight off the HPV infection. But in some cases the virus can lead to genital warts or cancer.
Besides HPV, there are several other factors that may also raise your risk for cervical cancer, including:
- Lack of regular Pap tests
- Smoking
- Use of birth control pills for five or more years
- Having more than one sexual partner
- Having a weakened immune system
Log in to your Blue Access for MembersSM account to learn more about the HPV virus, signs of cervical cancer and what you can do to help protect yourself.
Sources: National Cancer Institute 
, * Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , MedlinePlus , MedicineNet.com
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