Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: 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 and treat precancerous cervical changes, thus helping to prevent cancer.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Weakened Immune System
Women who have a weakened immune system may have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer. A weakened immune system can develop from:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Infection
- Drugs that suppress the immune system.
For women who have a weakened immune system, doctors suggest regular screening for cervical cancer.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Age
Cancer of the cervix occurs most often in women over the age of 40.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Sexual History
Women who have had many sexual partners and women who have had sexual intercourse with a partner who has had many sexual partners may be at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. These women are at a greater risk because they have a higher-than-average risk of
HPV infection.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Smoking Cigarettes
Women with an HPV infection who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of cervical cancer than women with an HPV infection who do not smoke.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Long-Term Use of Birth Control Pills
Using
birth control pills for a long time (5 or more years) may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with an HPV infection.
Cervical Cancer Risk Factors: Having Many Children
Studies suggest that giving birth to many children may increase the risk of cervical cancer among women with an HPV infection.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print