Half of all viral vixens in the U.S. have the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes three-quarters of all cervical cancers. But here’s hope: Johns Hopkins University tested more than 2,800 HIV girls—and only 5 percent had active HPV in the cervix (only active infection causes cancer). This means that the danger of HPV-associated cervical cancer is a good deal lower than previously estimated. While there’s currently no cure, routine Pap tests and quitting smoking are reliable risk-reducers. In the supplements aisle, load up on vitamins B6, C, E, folic acid and selenium. A therapeutic vax, now in trials, may cut cervical ills. Click on www.merck.com for more.