Cervical cancer is commonly referred to as a silent killer because it often shows no symptoms in its earlier stages. As you may already know, cancer is treatable when detected early, so cervical cancer screening is important. Some factors can increase your susceptibility to cervical cancer, and some, such as smoking, you can control while others, such as age, cannot control.

Having one or more cervical cancer risks doesn’t mean that you automatically will develop cervical cancer. It only means that you are exposed and should be more vigilant to lower your risks. Let’s look at the potential risk factors for cervical cancer.

HPV

Human papillomavirus, commonly called HPV, is the leading risk factor for cervical cancer. According to medical experts, HPV refers to a group of over 100 related viruses. HPV virus spreads through sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact of the genitals, sexual intercourse, and sharing sex toys.

There are two classes of sexually transmitted HPV referred to as high risk and low risk. About 14types of HPV are high risk, and HPV 16 & 18 make up the biggest percentage of HPV-related cervical cancer.

Sexual history

Your sexual history can increase your exposure to HPV and cervical cancer. Being sexually active at an earlier age or having multiple sexual partners exposes one to the risks of HPV infection. Additionally, having a sexual partner With HPV or numerous sexual partners exposes you to the virus.

Most people get HPV infection when they become sexually active, and the body resolves it without causing any symptoms or problems. For others, HPV may lead to symptoms such as genital warts.

Moreover, studies suggest that nearly all sexually active people contract a strain of HPV but only 50% of those contract a high-risk one. You should practice safe sex to prevent your risk of catching HPV. If you already have HPV, you should regularly undergo Hong Kong cervical cancer screening to prevent and lower your chances of cervical cancer.

Type 2 herpes

Another study found a link between type 2 herpes and a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer. Although more evidence is required, the study found that a woman with genital herpes type 2 has an elevated risk of developing cervical cancer.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is one of the sexually transmitted diseases that impact a woman’s reproductive organs. According to research, females infected with the bacteria may not show any symptoms and may only find out about the infection during a routine pelvic examination. Females exposed to a past or current chlamydia infection have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Research suggests that chlamydia trachomatous bacteria can alter the normal functioning of the cervical cells by causing inflammation that can lead to the growth of cancer. Moreover, it can support the growth of HPV in the cervix, increasing the risk of cancer development.

Oral contraceptives

Some studies suggest that oral contraceptives, including birth control pills, increase women’s susceptibility to cervical cancer and are associated with high-risk sexual behavior. The risk is bigger for women who have taken oral contraceptives for more than five years.

However, the risk level reduces once the person stops using the oral contraceptives and ultimately returns to average risk after a couple of years. If you already have an increased risk of cervical cancer, you should discuss with your doctor alternative contraceptives to lower the risks.

Pregnancy

Two factors are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer during pregnancy. They include a full-term pregnancy below the age of 20 or 25 and having three or more full-term pregnancies. Although research is still insufficient, experts suggest that the hormonal changes during pregnancy and increased exposure to HPV play a role in increasing the risk for cervical cancer.

Immune system deficiency

Females with a lower immune system are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. HIV, organ transplants, treatments for other types of cancer, and corticosteroid medications may cause Immune system deficiency. When you have HIV, the virus that causes AIDs, your system cannot fight off several cancers, including cervical cancer.

Age

Cervical cancer rarely affects females aged 20years and below, and most cases are diagnosed between the age of 34-44years. According to studies, the risk goes up from the late teens to the mid-thirties, which means that ladies in this age group are more exposed.

Women past the age mentioned above also remain at risk, which is why Hong Kong cervical cancer screening exists so that one can detect cancer early hence a successful treatment.

Exposure to DES

Doctors prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES), a hormone medication in the 1930-the 70s, to prevent miscarriage. The females whose mothers took the drug are at a higher risk of developing a rare type of cancer in the cervix and vagina. Therefore women exposed to DES should undergo cervical cancer screening regularly to check for abnormal cells in the cervix and vagina.

Family history or genes

A woman whose parent or sibling had cervical cancer is at a higher risk of developing it than a woman with no family history of the cancer. Furthermore, experts suggest that some genetic mutations may make someone more susceptible to HPV hence an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Smoking

Smoking also increases the susceptibility to cervical cancer. In research, scientists found the by-products of tobacco in the cervical mucus of smokers. The products may damage the DNA cells in the cervix and result in abnormal cell growth. Smoking also weakens the immune system increasing susceptibility to HPV infections.

the takeaway

The most effective way to lower cervical cancer risks is to undergo regular screening and take an HPV vaccine. Cervical cancer screenings help doctors detect the abnormal cells early and treat them to prevent cancer from developing. Organizations like the Hong Kong cancer fund help with the financial burden of cervical cancer treatment, so there is nothing to worry about.

Additional steps to prevent or lower the risks include:

• Practice safe sex.
• Avoid smoking.
• Use alternate forms of contraceptives to birth control pills.
• Maintain a well-balanced diet.

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