All women are at risk for developing cervical cancer, although most cases occur in women over the age of 30, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Mayo Clinic explains that various strains of the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus play a large role in most cases, but other risk factors exist. Knowing these risk factors, and receiving yearly screenings, can make cervical cancer an easy cancer to prevent.
Human Papilloma Virus
The American Cancer Society explains that infection with the human papilloma virus is the greatest risk factor for cervical cancer. This infection, known also as HPV, is a group of more than 100 viruses that infect the cells on the surface of the skin, mouth, anus, genitals and throat. However, it is HPV of the genitals that is responsible for cervical cancer. Five types of HPV in particular are high-risk, as they result in cancer of the cervix. These are types 16, 18, 31, 33 and 45. Approximately two-thirds of cervical cancer cases result from HPV 16 and 18. As the CDC states, HPV is transmitted most commonly through vaginal and anal sex, although genital-to-genital contact is another means. A person can be symptom-free for years and still pass the HPV infection on to his partner.
Smoking
The American Cancer Society warns that women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer versus women who do not smoke. The carcinogens and chemicals in cigarettes affect organs in the body other than the lungs--among them are the cervix. The lungs play a role in the process, however; they absorb the chemicals and substances from the cigarettes and carry them through the bloodstream to other areas of the body.
Chlamydia
Another sexually transmitted disease, chlamydia is a fairly common bacterium that infects the reproductive system. In some cases, a woman is not aware of her infection unless she undergoes testing for sexually transmitted diseases. According to the American Cancer Society, there is a higher risk of cervical cancer among women whose blood tests show a past or current infection of chlamydia.
The Mayo Clinic adds that having chlamydia increases a woman's chances of having HPV, thus increasing her risk of developing cervical cancer.
Multiple Pregnancies
Women with three or more full-term pregnancies are at greater risk for developing cervical cancer, according to the American Cancer Society, although the reason evades the medical community. One theory is a higher exposure to HPV due to unprotected intercourse, while yet another is that the hormonal changes during pregnancy make women more susceptible to HPV and cancer growth.
