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Although there is no definitive method for preventing female reproductive cancers, women can often reduce the likelihood of developing most gynecological cancers by having annual (or more often if necessary) gynecological screenings, including Pap smears and pelvic examinations. Women can also reduce their risks by avoiding or reducing preventable risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, multiple sexual partners and infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Immunization against certain forms of HPV is now available through a vaccine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA recommends that the vaccine be given to girls age 11 to 12, preferably before they are sexually active. However, the vaccine may be given to older females (13 to 26 years old) because of its protective benefits.

Although most female reproductive cancers are not easily detected in their precancerous stages, the American Cancer Society (ACS) has issued the following guidelines for early detection of cervical cancer:

• All women should be screened (tested) for cervical cancer when they reach 21 years of age, or three years after they first start having vaginal intercourse.
  
  
• Starting at age 30, patients who have had three normal consecutive Pap smears should be screened every two to three years. Women with risk factors for cervical cancer, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), should continue to be tested annually. A woman’s gynecologist can determine the appropriate screening schedule.
  
  
• Women over age 30, without cervical cancer risk factors, may choose to have a Pap smear every three years in conjunction with an HPV DNA test, which determines whether the patient has HPV.
  
  
• Women age 70 or older who have had three normal, consecutive Pap smears and no abnormal results in the past 10 years may choose to stop being screened for cervical cancer unless they have a history of cervical cancer or risk factors for the condition.
  
  
• Patients who have had a total hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and the cervix) may also choose to stop being screened for cervical cancer, unless the hysterectomy was performed because of cervical precancer or cancer. Those who had a simple hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) should follow the guidelines detailed above.