Early experience of sexual intercourse--a risk factor for cervical cancer requiring specific intervention for teenagers.

There is consensus that the main risk factor for cervical cancer development is persistent infection with high-risk group human papilloma viruses (HPVs), together with smoking, and reproductive history. Since sexual behaviour determines exposure to HPVs and the adolescent period may be particularly important in this regard it is of interest to consider behavioural determinants of teenagers. In one survey conducted in Khon Kaen, Thailand, some 62% percent of male and 19.3 % of female respondents aged 13-15 years reported having experienced sexual desire, and 19.1% of male and 4.7 % of female respondents admitted to sexual intercourse. The possibility that this might impact on HPV infection rates, with added risk due to the physical trauma associated with pregnancy and illegal abortions, indicates that more attention needs to education of early teens, not only for avoidance of HIV and AIDS, but also for prevention of cervical cancer.