title: Epidemiology of preinvasive lesions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Review of epidemiological data on pre-invasive cervical lesions.
  
  
  METHODS
  Literature review and analysis of data from our Department.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prevalence of data on preinvasive cervical lesions varies widely and depends on factors such as differences among countries or regions and among ethnic groups, and especially, differences in the type of population studied. Most important risk factors are: number of sexual partners, smoking, contraceptive use, HPV, age at first intercourse, and screening.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In order to reduce risk, pap smears should be performed regularly, safe sex practices should be recommended, and the use of tobacco products should be avoided.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Institut Universitari Dexeus, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Surís
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dexeus
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: López-Marín
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012907:Smoking; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002578:Uterine Cervical Dysplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control