Cervical Cancer (cont.)
Risk factors and causes of cervical cancer
Doctors cannot always explain why one woman develops cervical cancer and
another does not. However, we do know that a woman with certain risk factors
may be more likely than others to develop cervical cancer. A risk factor is
something that may increase the chance of developing a disease.
Studies have found a number of factors that may increase the risk of
cervical cancer. These factors may act together to increase the risk even
more:
- Human papillomaviruses (HPVs): HPV infection is the
main risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV is a group of viruses that can
infect the cervix. HPV infections are very common. These viruses can be
passed from person to person through sexual contact. Most adults have been
infected with HPV at some time in their lives. Some types of HPV can cause
changes to cells in the cervix. These changes can lead to genital warts,
cancer, and other problems. Doctors may check for HPV even if there are no
warts or other symptoms.
If a woman has an HPV infection, her doctor can discuss ways to avoid
infecting other people. The Pap test can detect cell changes in the cervix
caused by HPV. (See the "Screening" section to learn more about the Pap
test.) Treatment of these cell changes can prevent cervical cancer. There
are several treatment methods, including freezing or burning the infected
tissue. Sometimes medicine also helps.
- Lack of regular Pap tests: Cervical cancer is more common among
women who do not have regular Pap tests. The Pap test helps doctors find
precancerous cells. Treating precancerous cervical changes often prevents
cancer.
- Weakened immune system (the body's natural defense system): Women
with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) infection or who take drugs that
suppress the immune system have a higher-than-average risk of developing
cervical cancer. For these women, doctors suggest regular screening for
cervical cancer.
- Age: Cancer of the cervix
occurs most often in women over the age of 40.
- Sexual history: Women who have had many sexual partners have a
higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer. Also, a woman who
has had sexual intercourse with a man who has had many sexual partners may
be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer. In both cases, the risk of
developing cervical cancer is higher because these women have a
higher-than-average risk of HPV infection.
- Smoking cigarettes:
Women with an HPV infection who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of
cervical cancer than women with HPV infection who do not smoke.
- Using birth control pills for a long time:
Using birth control pills for a long time (5 or more years) may increase the
risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
- Having many
children: Studies suggest that giving birth to many children may increase
the risk of cervical cancer among women with HPV infection.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES)
may increase the risk of a rare form of cervical cancer and certain other
cancers of the reproductive system in daughters exposed to this drug before
birth. DES was given to some pregnant women in the United States between
about 1940 and 1971. (It is no longer given to pregnant women.)
Women who think they may be at risk for cancer of the cervix should
discuss this concern with their doctor. They may want to ask about a
schedule for checkups.
Next: What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? »
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