Cervical Cancer - Risk Factors and Symptoms

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
• Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

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.

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