The Risk Factors For Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a slow-growing malignant cancer which starts off in the cells on the surface of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus and is the muscle which connects the uterus to the vagina which is also known as the birth canal. Cervical cancer is another type of uterine cancer.

The symptoms of cervical cancer may not appear until the later stages, but it can be detected with a pap smear test. Those at higher risk are encouraged to get the test done more often so the cancer can be caught in its early stage.

There are many risk factors for cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer is usually the result of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is spread through sexual contact. This virus may not always cause cancer, but it can live in the body for many years before the cancer cells begin to form and spread. Those who have this virus are more likely to get the cancer.

Young girls who became sexually active before the age of 18 are also more prone to get cancer from the virus. This is simply because the cells in their bodies have not fully matured, and are more prone to virus diseases.

Those who have or have had numerous sex partners, or have a partner who have had numerous other partners are also at risk for getting the HPV virus, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases (STD). The larger the number, the greater the risk.

Those with other sexually transmitted diseases are also more prone to developing cervical cancer.

Tampons and condoms also play a role in causing this cancer.

Those who smoke are also at greater risk because cigarette smoke increases the risk of precancerous cells to form, and it also weakens the immune system.

Women who have many children and women who use birth control pills.

Those who have a weak immune system. The immune system needs to be strong in order to fight the virus and prevent it from taking over in the body.

It is interesting to note that nuns hardly ever develop cervical cancer, simply because they are not exposed to these risks.

A new cancer vaccine against the HPV virus is available, and young girls, and women all across the country are encouraged by medical professionals to get it. This vaccine promises protection against this virus, and it is estimated by 2022 there will be a great decline in cervical cancers due to this new vaccine. But it seems too early to be able to make those kinds of predictions, for the side-effects of the drug are not yet fully known.