Risk Factors
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.
The NCI offers a fact sheet called
"Human Papillomaviruses and Cancer: Questions and Answers."
-
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. For more information about risk factors, see the NCI booklet
Understanding Cervical Changes.
< Previous Section | Next Section > |