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Most women who develop cervical cancer
tend to have one or more identifiable factors
that increase their risk for the disease. It is uncommon but not impossible for women to
develop cervical cancer without any of these risk factors. Some risk factors can be
changed (such as smoking and diet) while others cannot be changed (such as age and race).
The American Cancer Society suggests focusing on the risk factors that can be changed to
help prevent cervical cancer. Though some symptoms can indicate cervical cancer, there are
often no symptoms associated with early stages of the disease. Therefore, all women should
receive yearly Pap smears once they reach age
18 or become sexually active, whichever occurs earlier. After three negative (normal) Pap
smears in three consecutive years, Pap smears may be performed less often at the
discretion of the patient’s physician.
Risk Factors for Cervical Cancer
Age: The risk of cervical cancer is highest for women in their late teens through
their mid-thirties. Women younger than age 15 rarely develop cervical cancer. Though the
risk of cervical cancer does not typically increase after age 40, the risk does not
decrease either. Women of all ages, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal, may develop
cervical cancer. Therefore, it is important that women continue receiving annual Pap
smears as they age.
Race: The American Cancer Society estimates that African-American women are
twice as likely to die of cervical cancer than the U.S. national average. Hispanics and
American Indians also have higher than average death rates from cervical cancer.
Researchers believe these population groups, as well as women with low economic statuses,
are less likely to receive annual Pap smears.
Pap smears increase the likelihood that cervical cancer will be detected at pre-cancerous
or very early cancerous stages when treatment is most successful.
Sexual history: Women who first become sexually active at an early age (before
age 16) are at higher than average risk of developing cervical cancer. In addition, women
who have had multiple sexual partners are also at higher risk for cervical cancer. This is
because these women are at higher risk of contracting the human papillomavirus
(HPV), which cannot be prevented by using condoms or other birth control methods. Certain
strains of HPV increase cervical cancer risk (see below).
HPV: Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of
cervical cancer. HPV is a common sexually transmitted disease that affects both men and
women. There are over 80 different strains of HPV and most do not pose any health risks.
However, some strains of HPV (in particular, HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, and HPV-45) can cause
cellular changes that may lead to cervical cancer in women. It is estimated that one
million new cases of HPV occur each year, and 20% to 40% of sexually active women have
some form (usually not harmful) of HPV. Women who have abnormal Pap smear results may be
specifically tested for HPV. Click here
to learn more about HPV testing.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking may be associated with an increased risk of cervical
cancer, as well as other cancers (such as lung). Physicians have found by-products of
tobacco in the cervical mucus of women who smoke and believe these by-products damage the
DNA of cervical cells, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Smokers are twice as likely
to develop cervical cancer than non-smokers.
CONTINUED
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