What most women don’t know about cervical cancer is that it’s not hereditary. The primary demographic who are at risk are those who have had or are having unprotected sex, smokers, the un- or underinsured and women who skip out on pap smears.

“One of the biggest impediments [to stopping cervical cancer] is just the physical exam itself. I understand that it’s not easy, it’s not pleasant, but the upside for the patient is huge,” says Dr. Charles Levenback, professor of gynecologic oncology at the University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. “At least half of the women in our country who have had invasive cervical cancer have not had a pap smear in the past five years.”

“This is a cancer we can eliminate,” says Christine. “It’s so exciting to think that another woman won’t have to go through what I went through. I feel really optimistic about the future.”

Asha, Dana and Christine are just three of the thousands of young women who are shocked by their cancer diagnoses each year. While there’s no surefire way to remove all of your cancer risk factors, you can significantly lower your chances of becoming another statistic. Create a cancer-preventative lifestyle: Eat right, don’t smoke, get in shape, learn your family’s medical history and be your own health advocate when speaking with your doctor.