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HIV: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, also
increases the risk of cervical cancer. This occurs because HIV damages the body’s
immune system, making it easier for women to contract HPV, a sexually transmitted disease
that may increase the risk of cervical cancer. HIV can also increase the rate in which
pre-cancerous cells change into cancerous cells.
DES: Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a hormonal drug prescribed to women at high risk
of miscarriages between 1940 and 1971, has been found to increase the risk of cervical
cancer in these women’s daughters. This drug is no longer prescribed in the United
States. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 1 in 1000 women (0.1%)
whose mothers were given DES during pregnancy develop cervical cancer. The risk is highest
in women whose mothers took DES during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Diet: There is some association between diet and increased cervical cancer risk.
In particular, diets low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of cervical
cancer. Increasing one’s intake of micronutrients, such as carotene, vitamins C, and
vitamin E may reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Oral Contraceptives: Studies that have examined the relationship between oral
contraceptives and cervical cancer risk have been inconsistent. According to the National
Cancer Institute, there is some evidence that long-term use (more than five years) of oral
contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. However, the association
between oral contraceptives and cervical cancer risk remains unclear because it is
difficult to separate this factor from other risk factors that increase cervical cancer
risk (in particular, early age at first sexual intercourse and a history of multiple
sexual partners). Because women who use oral contraceptives may or may not have this
sexual history, it is difficult for researchers to definitively conclude the role oral
contraceptives play in determining cervical cancer risk.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
There are often no symptoms with early stages of cervical cancer. Therefore, beginning
at age 18 (or when first sexually active), women should receive annual Pap smears to
detect pre-cancerous or cancerous cervical cells. The following symptoms may be associated
with cervical cancer and should be reported to a physician for further investigation.
However, these symptoms can indicate a number of conditions other than cervical cancer.
Symptoms that may be associated with cervical cancer include:
- Unusual vaginal discharge (include spot/light bleeding between menstrual periods)
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Updated: June 2, 2008
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