The risk factors for penile and cervical cancer are cigarette smoking and exposure to various strains of the human papilloma or wart virus (HPV), through unprotected sex with multiple partners. Penile cancer is an extremely rare disease with less than 1 case per 100,000 men and a median age of diagnosis of 64 years. Circumcised men do develop penile cancer, which can develop on the circumcision scar.

Early cervical cancer may not cause noticeable signs or symptoms. Women should have yearly check-ups, including a Pap smear to check for abnormal cells in the cervix. One of the greatest risk factors is infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). A weakened immune system is also a risk factor for cervical cancer.

Both the Reproductive Health and the Immunization programs offer the HPV vaccine. You'll find a fact sheet about it on this page. This vaccine helps to reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer and is available to females between the ages of 9-26. Hepatitis A and B vaccine is also available through Reproductive Health and Immunizations offers a wide spectrum of childhood and adult vaccines. You may qualify for a special program called "Women's Health Check".

Most cervical cancers can be prevented. Pap tests are an effective way to detect problems. Once these problems are detected, treatment can stop these complications before they develop into invasive cervical cancer.

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the sleeve of skin and mucosal tissue that normally covers the glans (head) of the penis. This double layer, sometimes called the prepuce, is more commonly known as the foreskin. Parents are encouraged to read as much as possible about circumcision. They should make themselves aware of the complexities of the circumcision procedure itself. Speak to your doctor about the step-by-step procedure.

ANSWER: A vaccine to prevent infection with a virus linked to cervical cancer is now available. The Gardasil vaccine has been shown in clinical trials to be nearly 100% effective in preventing infection with four types of human papillomavirus (HPV), specifically numbers 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of all cases of cervical cancer while HPV 6 and 11 cause 90% of all genital warts.

Cervical cancer is primarily caused by the HPV virus (99.7%). So a vaccine stopping HPV would appear to stop cervical cancer. Among the vaccines under development, two of the companies are in Phase III clinical trials (Glaxo & Merck) and appear close to providing data to the FDA. These vaccines focus in on HPV types 16 and 18 which account for 70% of the cervical cancers.

In some cases, yes. Pap tests done according to American Cancer Society guidelines and with proper follow up will prevent most but not all cases of cervical cancer. Pap tests can find cervix cell changes early before they become cervical cancer. These cervix cell changes can then be treated to prevent them from becoming cancer. The Pap test will find most but not all cervical cancers at an early, curable stage.

You should not receive a bill for these services, but if you do, call our office at 304.558.5388 or 1.800.642.8522 and ask to speak with someone within our Program.

The easy answer is to avoid sun exposure, particularly during childhood. Help us to support the idea that pale skin is more attractive than tanned skin! Use protective clothing, apply sun protection and do the self-skin exam on a regular base.

The Cancer Risk Factors page contains questions and answers that provide information regarding cancer risk factors and where to find more information on cancer risk behaviors. The Cancer Prevention, Screening and Early Detection Information page provides access to Texas Cancer Information databases and documents and external websites that are related to cancer prevention, screening and early detection.

Click here to download the Michigan Cancer Consortium recommendations for early detection of cervical cancer. (available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file)*