Cervical cancer risk factors

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that play a role in the development of cervical cancer. Some of which are in our control and others we have no control over. Family history plays a big role but yet one can not change that. Below are some factors that increase a woman’s chance of cervical cancer.

Age: The risk of cervical cancer is the highest for woman in their late teens through their mid thirties. Woman of all ages can get cervical cancer and the risk does not decrease after mid thirties.

Sexual history: Woman who become sexually active at a young age, typically before age 16, are at higher risk. Cells of the cervix are undergoing rapid change at puberty. (Conforth, 2006) Woman who have multiple sexual partners are also at high risk. These women are at a higher risk for contracting HPV since condoms and other birth control methods do not prevent contracting the HPV virus.

Race: African Americans are twice more likely to die of cervical cancer than the US national average. (The woman’s health resource, 2008). Hispanics and American Indians also are at high risk. Different population groups also are at risk. Woman who belong to low economic status are less likely to receive PAP smears and early detection of the HPV virus or cellular changes.

HPV: Certain strains of HPV increases risk of cervical cancer. The following strains cause cellular changes that may lead to cervical cancer; HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HVP-45.

Smoking: Smoking may be associated with an increased risk for cervical cancer. Physicians have found by products of tobacco in the cervical mucosa of woman who smoke and believe the by products damage the DNA of cervical cells.

HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus also plays a role in cervical cancer. HIV damages the immune system which makes it easier for a woman to contract HPV. HIV can also increase the rate in which precancerous cells change into cancerous cells. (The woman’s health resource, 2008).