| Risk factors :
Most scientists agree that these things affect the risk of cervical
cancer. Some may apply to you, but others may not.
Age and cervical cancer :
The risk of cervical cancer goes up with age. However, because of widespread
screening with Pap smear in the United States, the risk of cervical cancer
stops rising around age 40, after which it remains relatively steady. The
average age the disease is found in the United States is 47.
Back to Risk Factors
Smoking cigarettes and cervical cancer :
Women who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of cervical cancer. Cigarette
smoke contains chemicals that damage the genetic structure (DNA) of the body's
cells. DNA damage causes cells to become cancerous. But after a person stops
smoking, new cells replace damaged ones. People who smoke cigarettes also have
a higher risk of cancers of the lung, bladder, kidney, pancreas, lip, mouth,
tongue, larynx, throat and esophagus. People who smoke even have a higher risk
of other diseases like heart disease, diabetes, stroke, bone loss,
(osteoporosis), emphysema, and bronchitis!
Back to Risk Factors
Sex at an early age and cervical cancer : Women who have sex for the first time at an early age have a higher risk of
cervical cancer. Scientists aren't sure why. One reason may be that the human
papillomavirus (HPV) more easily infects a young woman's cervix. HPV is a
sexually transmitted disease. Some types of HPV can cause cells in the cervix
to become cancerous.
Back to Risk Factors
Number of sexual partners and cervical cancer :
Women who limit their number of sexual partners have a lower risk of
cervical cancer. Fewer partners mean fewer chances of getting human
papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted disease. Some types of HPV
can cause cells in the cervix to become cancerous. Women who limit the number
of their sexual partners also have a lower risk of STDs and pelvic infection.
Back to Risk Factors
STDs and cervical cancer :
Each year in the US, millions of Americans are diagnosed with a
sexually transmitted disease (STD). The most common are chlamydia, gonorrhea,
herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). Women who have an STD -- especially HPV
-- have a higher risk of cervical cancer. Some types of HPV can cause cells in
the cervix to become cancerous. Other STDs may also cause cells in the cervix
to become cancerous. Women who have a STD also have a higher risk of other
health problems like infertility and pelvic infection.
WARNING: If you think you have an STD, talk to a doctor
immediately. STDs may be hard for you to talk about, but it's important to get
treated. Most STDs are treatable if found early.
Back to Risk Factors
Condoms, diaphragms and cervical cancer
:
Women who use latex condoms or diaphragms every time they have sex
have a lower risk of cervical cancer. These methods of birth control act as a
barrier against human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted
disease. Some types of HPV can cause cells in the cervix to become cancerous.
Women who use condoms or diaphragms also have a lower risk of STDs and other
health problems like infertility and pelvic infection.
Back to Risk Factors
Number of births and cervical cancer :
Women who give birth to 2 or more children have a higher risk of cervical
cancer. Scientists aren't sure why. But women who give birth to less than 2
children have a higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Back to Risk Factors
Pap test and cervical cancer : Women who get a Pap test regularly have a lower risk of cervical cancer. The
test finds cells in the cervix that may turn into cancer. If these cells are
found early, a woman can be treated before cervical cancer develops.
Back to Risk Factors
|
