Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that is connected to the vagina. Several strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection plays an important role in causing most cervical cancer. When exposed to HPV, a woman’s immune system basically prevents the virus from doing harm. In some women, however, the virus survives for long period, contributing to the process that causes few cells on the surface of the cervix to become cancer cells. Reduce the risk of developing cervical cancer by undergoing regular screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects from HPV infection.

Types of cervical cancer:-

• Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer in the initial phase affects the thin, flat cells squamous cells lining the external part of the cervix, which projects into the vagina. Several cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas
• Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer affects the column shaped glandular cells that lines the cervical canal

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:
• Multiple sexual partners- Having multiple sexual partners increases the chance of acquiring HPV
• Early sexual activity- Having sex at an early age increases high risk of HPV
• Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS increases your risk of HPV
• A weak immune system. You may be more likely to create cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health issue and you may have HPV
• Smoking. Smoking is linked with squamous cell cervical cancer