Parents who smoke or who used to smoke are more likely to let their daughters get the vaccine meant to prevent HPV infections that can lead to cervical cancer, according to a new study.

Researchers from the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia said that those more likely to accept the series of shots were also more likely to get exercise than the general population.

They also were more likely to believe that cancer can be cured if caught early.

Researcher Carolyn Fang said that vaccine use is usually lower among people who do things that could be considered unhealthy, such as smoking and drinking. She suggested that smokers may be more aware of cancer risks in general, and thus more likely to be in favor of the vaccine.

A news release on the study said that only 37 percent of girls ages 13 to 17 years have received at least one shot in the three-shot vaccine series.

A study of about 1,300 parents of teen girls found that about 18 percent would not have their daughters get the shots. One-quarter were undecided and more than half said they would let their daughter take the vaccine.

Researchers also noted that just because parents say they would accept the vaccine does not necessarily mean the girls will get it.

Results of the survey were published in the February issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.