Cervical Screening Programme
Department of Health
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

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Risk Factors History of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: it is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse. Researches find that it is present in most cases of cervical cancer. However, only minority of women with HPV infection develops cervical cancer as the body immunity may clear this virus. Multiple sexual partners or sexual partner with multiple sexual partners: increased risk of HPV infection Having sexual activity too early Smoking habit: active (up to 3 fold increase in risk of cervical cancer) and passive smoking Weakened immunity Prevention of cervical cancer Primary Prevention Avoid HPV infection: since HPV is an important cause of cervical cancer, which is most commonly sexual transmitted, the importance of safer sex could not be overemphasized. Single sexual partner Avoid partner with multiple sexual partners Use of condom: while available scientific evidence suggests that the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use has been associated with lower rate of cervical cancer. It may also protect you from other sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis and AIDS Avoid sex in early age as immature cervix is more susceptible to HPV infection and other carcinogen Vaccine which can protect against infection by high risk types of HPV. For more information on HPV and Vaccine, please click here. Healthy lifestyle may improve your body immunity and hence reduce chance of getting other types of cancer, apart from cervical cancer. Avoid smoking (active and passive smoking; risk increased up to 3 times that of non-smoker) Balanced diet: increase intake of fibre e.g. vegetables, fruits, cereals and beans; eat less meat and fatty food

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