Understanding the risk of cervical cancer helps one assess and take necessary preventive measures to protect themselves from the condition. There is no proof that anyone exposed to one or more of the risks will get cancer. Similarly, many are exposed to multiple risk factors and yet have been cancer-free.

Following are some of the risk factors controlled by lifestyle changes and behavior changes.

1. Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV)
HPV is not one single virus but a group of about 150 viruses. Some viruses cause warts, which are medically called papilloma. Not all HPV viruses are linked to or can cause cancer. Some other high-risk HPV can cause cancer in the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women and penile cancer. HPV infection is common and disappears on its own without any need for medication and treatment. Sometimes, conditions become chronic and can lead to cervical cancer.

2. Sexual practices
Another preventable risk is a woman’s sexual activity and practices. Women

Who have started indulging in sex in their teens

Who have multiple partners

With a partner who has an HPV infection

Whose partners have sexual relations with multiple partners

All these practices expose one to the risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

3. Multiple pregnancies
Women, who have had a minimum of three full-term pregnancies, are exposed to HPV because of their history of sexual activity, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and the subsequent low immune system after multiple pregnancies.

4. Smoking
Cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco not only affect the lungs but are also carried to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Tests done on women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and have been smokers have shown tobacco particles in their cervical mucus. The smoke can damage the DNA of cervical cells and lead to cancer.

5. Weakened immune system
Pre-cervical cancer can quickly advance into cancer in those with low immunity, or any other autoimmune disease. Smoking is considered a high risk for cervical cancer. It fast tracks cancer growth.

6. Chlamydia infection
One of the risk factors of sexual activity is Chlamydia, a bacterial infection that spreads through sexual contact. It can lead to inflammation in the pelvis and, consequently lead to infertility. Anyone who has been infected is at higher risk of cervical cancer. Tests show that the Chlamydia can grow and live on the cervix, directly increasing the risk of cervical cancer.

7. Family history
If your mother or a sibling has been affected by cervical cancer, you too are at high risk. You have to make sure you get yourself screened to identify any pre-cancer and are treated accordingly.

8. Other risk factors
Long term and continued use of oral contraceptive pills increase the risk of cervical cancer and reduce once it is stopped. Women who had children while they were young and those who have had little or limited access to a nutritious diet are also at risk for cervical cancer.