What can cause cervical cancer? Can it be prevented?
• The most important risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with HPV (Human Papillomavirus). HPV is an infection that is passed with sexual activity. HPV can cause changes in the cervix, leading to cancer and can also cause genital warts. • Smoking actually doubles your risk of developing cancer of the cervix. • Infection with Chlamydia will also increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. • Long term use of birth control pills seems to increase the risk. • Women who have had multiple pregnancies are at higher risk. • Family history of cervical cancer in your mother or sisters. As you see the risk increases with increased sexual activity, such as starting sexual activity at a young age or increased number of sexual partners. So the best ways to prevent cervical cancer is to reduce potential exposure to HPV and other STDs by not starting sexual activity at young age and limiting the total number of sexual partners. Also having routine PAP tests will detect the pre-cancer and
