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It is a common misconception that cervical cancer only affects older women but the truth is that if you’ve had or are having a sexual relationship you may be at risk whatever your age.

The risk begins from your first sexual contact.

HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cancer, is very widespread and easily passed during sexual contact or even through genital skin to skin contact, without penetrative sex. In fact, up to 75% of sexually active women are likely to be infected with the virus at some time in their lives [8] [9].

Remember:
•If you are, or have ever been, sexually active,
      you may be at risk of cervical cancer - whatever your age
•If you get infected with the virus there are usually
      no symptoms
•Usually, the body will clear HPV infection naturally [3]       but in some women the infection persists and could       ultimately progress to cervical cancer [9]

That’s why it’s so important to talk to your doctor about all the available ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer.

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