Group urges women to learn more about cervical cancer risks

The National Women's Health Resource Center is urging women to learn more about the link between sexually transmitted diseases, particularly human papillomavirus, and cervical cancer and to take steps to protect themselves from the STDs, Women's Health Weekly reports. HPV, the most common STD in the United States, often has no early symptoms but can cause cervical cancer if left untreated. "I would encourage all women to take control of their sexual health--sit down with their partners, honestly assess their risk factors, and get screened for cervical cancer," said Amy Niles, president and CEO of NWHRC. The group also urges women in monogamous relationships to get screened regularly for STDs and to remember that condom use is not 100% effective in preventing HPV transmissions.