What Are the Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer?

Cervical cancer has very few symptoms, many women do not even know they have it. Here are some risk factors for cervical cancer that women need to keep in mind to limit their risk.

1. HPV infection

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. HPV can infect cells on the surface of the skin, and those lining the genitals, anus, mouth and throat. Some of them cause a type of growth called papillomas, commonly known as warts.

2. Unhealthy sex habits

Some sex habits may increase the risk of cervical cancer such as:

• Sex at a young age (especially under 18)
• Have multiple sexual partners
• Have a high-risk sexual partner (someone who has HPV or has multiple sexual partners)

3. Smoking

Women who smoke are 2 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers. Researchers believe that substances contained in the cigarette can damage the ADN of cervical cells and increase the development of cervical cancer. Smoking also makes the immune system less effective at fighting HPV infections.

4. Adenomyosis

The risk of uterine cancer related to the ovary will form adenomyosis. There are also some in rare cases, adenomyosis can be detected outside the pelvic area such as in the lungs, brain or other parts of the body.