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How Can I Prevent It?

If you are a woman over age 18, or are under 18 and sexually active, have a pelvic exam and Pap smear yearly. If your Pap smear is normal several years in a row, your doctor may recommend the test less often.

If you practice contraception, consider barrier or spermicidal contraceptives, which — according to one study — may lower the risk of cervical cancer compared with hormone-based contraceptives.

If you have more than one sexual partner, be sure to use condoms to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases.