by D. Vogt

Created on: August 31, 2010

Cervical cancer is a cancer which begins on the cervix in women. From the cervix, the disease spreads to other parts of the reproductive system, to the bladder or the rectum, and then throughout the body. The most significant risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes genital warts. A vaccine is now available to counter infection by several common strains of HPV. About 1 % of women who die from cancer die from cervical cancer.

Exposure to HPV is the most important risk factor for cervical cancer, in addition to being one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the Western world. Millions of Americans contract HPV each year, and a minority of women who contract the disease will eventually go on to develop abnormal growths on their cervix, leading to cancer. There are about two hundred different strains of HPV in existence today, but the majority of new cancer cases are associated with just two or three of them. Women are at increased risk of contracting cervical cancer due to HPV if they have numerous sexual partners, or have been sexually active since a relatively young age. Men can also carry HPV, but do not face similar risks of cancer as a complication of the virus.

Vaccinations are now available which can prevent infection with several types of HPV, and therefore reduce the risk of cervical cancer as a result of exposure to those strains. Because vaccines work best only against subsequent exposures, in recent years numerous public health agencies have recommended vaccinating teenage girls, including those who have not yet been sexually active. This has caused controversy as well as protests from those who fear that such vaccines will actually increase the likelihood of young women becoming sexually active at an inappropriate age.

Second, according to the Mayo Clinic, those with a weakened or compromised immune system are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer. This may be because a weakened immune system renders a person more vulnerable to the damage done by the HPV infection. The American Cancer Society lists as risk factors for cervical cancer a diet including inadequate fruit and vegetable content, and long-term use of birth control pills. (In the latter case, risk levels gradually return to normal in the years after women stop using the pill.)

Finally, smoking cigarettes is known to increase the risk of getting cervical cancer. Smoking is a risk factor not only for cervical cancer but for many other cancers as well, especially lung cancer.

Having one or more of the above risk factors does not ensure that a woman will develop cervical cancer. However, if you are concerned that you are at increased risk of cervical cancer, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. An annual or biennial Pap smear test is a standard preventative measure for catching the disease as early as possible. Pap smears are generally recommended for women beginning in their early 20s, but are not recommended for women who have never been sexually active.

- Sources and More Information -

American Cancer Society. "What are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?"

Canadian Cancer Society. "Causes of Cervical Cancer."

Mayo Clinic. "Cervical Cancer: Risk Factors."

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