Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Understanding Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Cells may develop abnormalities before they become cancerous. Pre-cancerous cells from the cervix can be distinguished from normal cells underneath a microscope. This is done during regular screenings, like an annual Pap test, where samples are taken from a swab of the cervix. If detected, pre-cancerous cells are treatable.

There is no certainty what causes these abnormal cells or why some pre-cancerous conditions develop into cancer and others do not. However, there is evidence that a virus may be responsible. The human papillomavirus (HPV) infects the cells lining the surface of the cervix resulting in cellular abnormalities; that is, pre-cancerous tissue.

Other risk factors, like smoking, may increase the likelihood that these pre-cancerous cells become cancerous. Although HPV is a risk factor for developing cervical cancer, the majority of HPV infections do not develop into cancer.

HPV and Cervical Cancer

The National Cancer Institute reports that nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. But only a small percentage of those infected with HPV will likely develop cancer. Certain strains of HPV may cause benign tumors or abnormal cell growth that may or may not develop into cancer. Understanding HPV, how it is transmitted, how to prevent it, and how it is tested for, will help women better manage their own risk of cervical cancer.

Nearly three quarters of sexually active women will develop HPV. In most cases, the virus will go away on its own—and many times without the person ever knowing they were infected or whether they transmitted the virus to their partner.

A healthy woman's immune system is usually able to ward off the virus. However, sometimes, for unknown reasons, the HPV virus persists and develops into cancer. A regular Pap smear (done according to the screening guidelines) increases the likelihood of detecting any abnormal changes in the cervix early on.

Additional Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading risk factor for cervical cancer. However, other factors have an affect on whether or not the virus develops into cancer, such as the following:

• Smoking:  The likelihood of pre-cancerous cells in the cervix becoming cancerous increases two fold in women who smoke, according to the American Cancer Society.
• Decreased Immunity:  A compromised immune system may reduced the body's ability to ward off HPV, thereby increasing the likelihood of pre-cancerous cells developing in the cervix.
• Oral Contraception:  There is evidence that shows the risk of developing cervical cancer increases after long-term use of oral contraceptives (birth control pills). Studies have shown that the risk is reduced once the medication is stopped.
• Lack of Health Care Services:  The failure to detect and treat cervical cancer increases in women who do not have regular pelvic exams.
• Family History and DES.  It is unknown whether there are certain genetic factors that may effect a women's ability to ward off HPV. However, there may be a familial factor that increases the likelihood of developing cervical cancer in families where someone has had the disease. Though it is becoming less common, daughters of women treated with DES (diethylstilbestrol, a hormonal drug used to prevent miscarriages) may be at an increased risk of cervical cancer. DES was no longer available after 1971.

NOTE: Anything that increases your risk of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer. Not having risk factors does not mean that you won't get cancer. If you think you may be at risk, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Managing Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an HPV vaccine for women under 26 years of age. However, there are other ways women can manage their risk of developing cervical cancer. Talk to your doctor about the recommended cervical screening guidelines and how you can adopt practices to protect yourself from HPV infections.

Assessing the Risk Factors

Having one or more of the above risk factors only means that the probability of developing cervical cancer may have increased. HPV is a leading cause of cervical cancer and one of the most common sexually transmitted viruses. There are methods of prevention, and you can discuss with your doctor what method of prevention will work best for you. Understanding your risks, and following the guidelines for regular screenings, gives you the power of prevention and early detection. 

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