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.

DATA SOURCES

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

DATA EXTRACTION

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

DATA SYNTHESIS

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.