Women's knowledge of Pap smears, risk factors for cervical cancer, and cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on women's knowledge of Pap smears, risk factors for cervical cancer, and cervical cancer.


METHODS
The review was based on a search of the relevant literature over a 10-year period using MEDLINE and CINAHL.


METHODS
Articles from relevant, indexed journals and textbooks published within the past decade were included. Seminal articles were included as appropriate.


RESULTS
Risk factors for the development of cervical cancer have been reevaluated. The case for human papillomavirus as the cause of cervical neoplasms has been strengthened.


CONCLUSIONS
Cervical cancer is associated with early sexual debut, number of lifetime sexual partners, nonuse of condoms, and infection with human papillomavirus. Cigarette smoking facilitates development of cervical cancer.
Reid
J
J
Indiana University Southeast, New Albany 47150, USA.
D017280:Condoms; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D014412:Tumor Virus Infections / Q000150:complications; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D014930:Women / Q000193:education*; D016387:Women's Health