Risk Factors Of Cervical Cancer!

Abnormal growth of cells on cervix can cause cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease can cause genital warts, which is a precursor to cervical cancer.

Regular Pap test is essential to check for this condition as it can be fatal. You will find various treatment options for cervical cancer, but they can affect the ability to have children in the future.

The most significant risk factors that cause cervical cancer include:

· Human papillomavirus (HPV)
· Sexual history

1. HPV

HPV is a virus that can infect your:

· Genital tract
· External genitals
· Area around the anus

There are 46 genetic types of HPV, but all these are not the causes of cervical cancer. Certain HPV types that can transmit during intercourse can increase the threat of cervical dysplasia, which can lead to cervical cancer.

HPV types that cause genital warts are completely different from the ones that cause cervical cancer. Having genital warts can increase the risk of abnormal Pap smear.

2. Sexual history:

The risk of cervical cancer is higher in women who:

· Have had multiple sexual partners
· Have begun having sexual relation early i.e. before 18 years of age
· Have a partner having sexual contact with a woman with cervical cancer

Some other risk factors of cervical cancer include:

3. Not getting regular Pap smears can increase the possibility of unrecognized cervical cancer. 60-80% of the women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had their regular Pap screening for more than five years.

4. Usage of tobacco can also be a risk factor for cervical cancer. Smoking women are at twice the threat of this cancer.

5. Genetic material! Genetic substances, which come from some HPV forms found in cervical tissues, can keep you at the risk of cervical cancer.

6. Diet! Eating a diet that doesn’t contain sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables can increase the threat for cervical cancer.

7. Weak immune system! Women who have weak immune system are higher than average risk to develop cervical lesions that become cancerous. For example, women with HIV positive and women who have had organ transplants.

8. Douching! Douching can wipe out the natural antiviral components that present in the vagina. Women who douche regularly are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer than others.

9. Diethylstilberstrol (DES), a medicine used to prevent miscarriage during the childbearing stage. Mothers who took this medicine can keep their children at a risk of developing cervical cancer.

10. Chemical exposure! Women working on pharmaceuticals or in an industry where chemical exposure is greater can be at high risk of cancer.

11. Hormonal medications! Hormones found in oral contraceptives make you more susceptible to HPV. Also, birth control pills can increase the risk of developing genital warts. Research showed that usage of contraceptive pills for more than five years can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer.

12. Multiple Pregnancies. Women who have had multiple full-term pregnancies are at a risk of developing cervical cancer. Studies showed that hormonal changes during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to get HPV infection and finally cancer.

13. Immunosuppression. HIV virus that causes AIDS greatly damages your immune system and keeps you at risk of HIV infection. Finally, this increases the risk of cervical cancer.

14. Race and ethnicity. The death rate from cervical cancer is twice in African-American women. Hispanics and American Indians also have death rate above the average.

15. Family history! If your mother or sister has cervical cancer, then your risk of developing the disease is higher.