Causes and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
The cause of cervical cancer is unknown. Infection with two types of human papilloma virus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually, is strongly associated with cervical and vulvar cancer and is the primary risk factor. Evidence of HPV is found in nearly 80% of cervical carcinomas. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reduces the immune system's ability to fight infection (including HPV infection) and increases the likelihood that precancerous cells will progress to cancer.
Sexual activity that increases the risk for infection with HPV and HIV and for cervical cancer includes the following:
- Having multiple sexual partners or having sex with a promiscuous partner
- History of sexually transmitted disease (STD)
- Sexual intercourse at a young age
Women who
smoke cigarettes are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer. Chemicals in cigarette smoke may increase the risk by damaging cervical cells.
Other risk factors include age (the condition is rare in women younger than age 15) and race (invasive cancer rates are higher in African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans).
Regular screening with a Pap smear effectively lowers the risk for developing invasive cervical cancer by detecting precancerous changes in cervical cells. Women who do not receive regular Pap smears have a higher risk for the condition.
Causes and Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer
