Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Cancer of the cervix, which is the lowermost part of the uterus, is termed as cervical cancer. Cervical cancer has been a wrath for American women in the past being the most common cause of mortality among them.
With the introduction of the PAP test, this figure gradually declined, yet, 13,240 cases are estimated to be diagnosed within the year 2018. Regular screening and control of risk factor significantly prevents cervical cancer, which is why their knowledge is important.
Your can also read:- Screening For Cervical Cancer
What are the causes of Cervical Cancer?
Causes of cervical cancer include:
Age
The incidence of cervical cancer is more among women in the age group of 35 to 44 years in the reproductive age. It is quite rare in women below 20 but can occur in older age women above the age of 65. More than 15% cases are diagnosed in the latter .
Race
Certain races are more susceptible to cervical cancer than others with the order being Hispanic women, African Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders and then whites, followed by American Indians and Alaskan communities, in whom the occurrence is quite rare.
HPV infection
The most common risk factor for cervical cancer is an infection with the Human Papilloma Virus, which spreads through unprotected sexual activity. Although an infection with this virus has a tendency to clear itself off, a long standing or a chronic case can eventually turn into the cancer of the cervix due to the involvement of a high risk type of HPV, which has a group of over 150 types. Vaccination against this and the use of barrier contraceptives like condoms and femidoms goes a long way in prevention.
Chlamydia and gonorrhoea
Chlamydia is yet another infection that spreads through sexual contact and is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer due to pelvic inflammation . Gonorrhoea may also be one of the risk factors.
Immunodeficient state
It is important to have a strong immune system in order to ward off infections and to destroy cancerous cells in an initial stage. Sexually transmitted infections like HIV-AIDS compromise the immune status of a woman making her more prone to HPV infections, which turn out to be chronic, causing cervical cancer.
Other states of immunodeficiency like diabetes, use of oral contraceptives, autoimmune disorders and certain treatments requiring the prescription of immunosuppressive agents, like organ transplants, also increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Use of contraceptives
Certain types of contraceptives like oral contraceptives increase the risk of cervical cancer while others like IUDs (intrauterine devices) reduce this risk.
It has been stated that the risk of cervical cancer increases along with the duration of use of oral contraceptive and reduces as its use is stopped reaching a stable state after 10 years of stoppage.
Although, IUDs have been suggested to lower the risk of cervical cancer, it is best to thoroughly talk with your doctor.
More number of babies
Studies have found that women with more than 3 babies are at a higher risk of cervical cancer. This can be because women are at a higher risk of HPV infection during pregnancy due to a generalised inflammatory state and a reduced immunity.
Early pregnancy
Bearing a baby at an age younger than 17 years puts you at a two-fold higher risk of cervical cancer, later in life, than women who embraced motherhood after the age of 25.
So, it is ideal to plan your pregnancies wisely in terms of number of babies and the time of birth.
Familial history
As with most types of cancers, the risk of cervical cancer increases with a positive family history. In fact, cervical cancer runs in families, probably due to an innate inability to ward off an HPV infection.
So, if your mother, sister or close relatives have ever been diagnosed, it is time you run some PAP tests.
Smoking
Smoking is strongly associated with the risk of cervical cancer doubling its incidence.
Low socioeconomic status
Cervical cancer is more common among women from low socioeconomic backgrounds due to a limited awareness of risk factors .
Multiple sexual partners
Having multiple sexual partners puts you at a risk of STDs, which determines the risk for cancer .
