Who's at risk for cervical cancer?
Who's at risk for cervical cancer?
In many cases, cervical cancer can be linked with known risk factors for the disease. Some risk factors can be avoided, while others cannot. Some risk factors within your control are:
- Screening history: Those who haven't had Pap tests are regular intervals are at increased risk of cervical cancer.
- HPV infection: Certain types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer. Lowering your risk for HPV can also lower your risk for cervical cancer.
- Sexual history: Having sexual intercourse before the age of 18 and having many sexual partners puts you at higher risk of HPV infection and chlamydia. Preventing these diseases reduces your risk of cervical cancer.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
- HIV infection: Those who've been infected with HIV have a higher-than-average risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Birth control pills: There is evidence that long-term use of oral contraceptives can increase your risk of cervical cancer.
- Multiple children: Having three or more full-term pregnancies may increase your risk for developing cancer of the cervix.
- Having a weakened immune system: Having a weak immune system makes your body unable to fight infections.
Some risk factors you can't change are:
- DES (diethylstilbestrol): DES is a hormonal drug that was given to people between 1938 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage. If your mother took DES, you may be more likely to get cervical cancer.
- Family history: Cervical cancer may have a genetic component.