Risk Factors of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is a significant reproductive health problem; close to 200,000 women die from the disease each year. It is the third most common cancer worldwide, and is the leading cause of death from cancer among women in developing countries.

Unlike many forms of cancer with risk factors that are unknown or beyond individual control, some of the risk factors for cervical cancer can be controlled by individual action. Recognizing and changing these risk factors can decrease the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer develops when cells lining the cervix — the upper part of the womb — become abnormal and begin to grow out of control. These cells can cause a mass or tumor. Malignant or cancerous tumors can spread to other parts of the body and be life threatening.

In observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month this January, the Medical Society of the State of New York shares the following information on how women can protect themselves against cervical cancer. There are two main ways, according to the Cancer Research Foundation of America: by minimizing the risk of developing precancerous conditions and by having regular Pap tests and other screening tests.

CERVICAL CANCER RISK FACTORS THAT CAN BE CHANGED

This list of major risk factors that can be controlled is supplied by the American Cancer Society.

Infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) is now recognized as the most important risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV can be passed from one person to another during sexual intercourse. Having unprotected sex, especially at a young age, increases the risk of infection with HPV, as does having sex with many partners or having sex with men who have had many partners.

Late last year, researchers reported that an experimental vaccine prevented women from becoming persistently infected with a type of HPV, known as HPV-16, which is involved in hall the cervical cancers. Further tests are needed to confirm that the vaccine is safe and effective and to determine how long lasting it may be. Other limitations noted by the National Cancer Institute include the vaccine's inability to protect against other types of HPV and to prevent HPV-16 infections already present at the time of vaccination from progressing to cancer.

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, is also a risk factor for cervical cancer. HIV weakens the immune system and its ability to resist early cancers.

Smoking can create cancer-causing mutations in the DNA of cells in the cervix and thus increase the chance of cervical cancer. Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as nonsmokers.

Eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables may also increase the risk of cervical cancer, as well as other cancers.

Being uninsured and poor can keep women from having regular Pap tests that could detect abnormal cells early, before they become cancerous.

RISK FACTORS THAT CAN NOT BE CHANGED

Although the following risk factors cannot be changed, reviewing them can serve to remind women about the importance of getting a Pap test.

Age is a factor. The risk of cervical cancer is very low for girls less than 15 years old but goes up for females between their late teens and mid 30s — and stays there. Older women have the highest risk of cervical cancer and should continue having Pap tests.

The death rate for cervical cancer is above average for Hispanics and American Indians and is over twice the national average for African-Americans. These higher rates are probably related to inadequate cervical cancer screening.

Last updated Dec 19/06