Did you know that...

• Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable of all cancers.
• A woman's best protection against developing cervical cancer is having regular cervical smear tests.
• Cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV), a common, sexually transmitted infection.
• There are many types of HPV and only a few "high risk" types can lead to abnormal precancerous cells.
• Only women with a persistent infection (one which does not clear on its own) with a "high risk" HPV type are at risk of cervical cancer, if the abnormal cells are not detected by screening. 
• A cervical smear test is a screening test to find abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix.
• Regular cervical smear tests every three years are recommended for women from the age of 20 until they turn 70 if they have ever been sexually active.
• Having regular cervical smears can reduce a woman's risk of developing cervical cancer by 90 percent.