Risk factors for cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. When exposed to a virus, the body's immune system normally stops the virus from causing harm. In some cases, however, the virus persists for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancerous. To reduce your risk of cervical cancer, you should get screened and vaccinated against HPV.

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal growths of cells (dysplasia) are found on the cervix, located between the vagina and uterus. It usually develops over several years. Because there are so few symptoms, many women don't even know they have it.
Usually cervical cancer is detected in Pap smear, during gynecological examination. If it is found in time, it can be dealt with before it causes major problems.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most important cervical cancer risk factors for cells to develop into cervical cancer. However, there are also other factors that can put you at risk.

Cervical cancer begins when healthy cells in the cervix develop changes (mutations) in their DNA. Healthy cells grow and multiply at a definite rate, eventually dying in a set time. The mutants of the cells grow and multiply out of control and they do not die. Abnormal cells accumulate to form a mass (tumor). Cancer cells invade nearby tissues and can break off from a tumor to metastasize (metastasize) elsewhere in the body.
The cause of cervical cancer is unknown, but it is certain that HPV is one of the risk factors. HPV is very common, and most people who contract the virus never get cancer. This means that other factors - such as your environment or lifestyle choices - also determine whether you will get cervical cancer.

3.1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most important cervical cancer risk factor. HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. Some of them cause a type of growth called a papilloma, more commonly known as a wart.
HPV can infect cells on the surface of the skin, and those lining the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat, but not blood or internal organs such as the heart or lungs.
HPV can be spread from person to person during skin-to-skin contact. HPV is also spread through sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and even oral sex.
Different types of HPV cause warts on different parts of the body. Some common causes of warts on hands and feet; Some cases cause warts on the lips or tongue.
3.2. Having sex Several factors related to your sexual history can increase your risk of cervical cancer. The higher the chance of being exposed to HPV, the higher the risk of contracting the disease.
Having multiple sexual partners, the more sexual partners, the higher the risk of contracting the virus. Some partners are at high risk, such as someone who has HPV or has multiple sex partners.

3.3. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition that has received increasing attention in recent times in which tissue that should have grown in the uterus is found in other parts of the body. . These tissues may respond to or function differently from those developed in the uterus.
Endometriosis The risk of uterine cancer related to the ovaries will form endometriosis . Even in rare cases, endometriosis can be found outside the pelvis, such as in the lungs, brain, or other parts of the body.
3.4. Smoking When someone smokes, they and those around them are exposed to many cancer-causing chemicals that affect organs other than the lungs. These harmful substances are absorbed through the lungs and carried throughout the body by the blood.
Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer as non-smokers. Components of tobacco have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. Researchers believe these substances damage the DNA of cervical cells and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Smoking also makes the immune system less effective at fighting HPV infections.
3.5. Having a weak immune system Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS, weakens the immune system and puts people at higher risk of HPV infection.
The immune system is important in killing cancer cells and slowing their growth and spread. In HIV-infected women, cervical pre-cancers can develop into invasive cancers more quickly than usual.
Another group of women at risk for cervical cancer are those taking drugs to suppress the body's immune response, such as those being treated for an autoimmune disease (in which the immune system considers bodies are foreign and attack them).
3.6. Chlamydia infection Chlamydia is a relatively common bacteria that can infect the reproductive system. It is spread by sexual contact. Women infected with chlamydia often have no symptoms and they may not know they are infected unless they have a pelvic exam. Chlamydia infection can be a risk factor for cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infertility.
Some studies have shown a higher risk of cervical cancer in women who have blood and cervical mucus tests who have had a past or current chlamydia infection. Some research shows that Chlamydia bacteria can help HPV grow and live in the cervix which can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
3.7. Long-term oral contraceptive use There is evidence that taking oral contraceptives for a long time increases the risk of cervical cancer. Research shows that the risk of cervical cancer increases when women take oral contraceptives long-term, but the risk goes back after stopping the pill and returns to normal after many years.
Therefore, you should discuss with your doctor whether the benefits of using the contraceptive outweigh the potential risks.

3.8. Multiple pregnancies Women who have had three or more pregnancies have a higher risk of cervical cancer. It is thought that this is probably due to increased exposure to HPV infection with sexual activity. Additionally, studies have pointed to hormonal changes during pregnancy that can make women more susceptible to viral infections or cancerous growths. Another thought is that pregnant women may have a weaker immune system, which causes the body to become infected with HPV and develop cancer.
3.9. Young full-term pregnancy Women under 20 who are pregnant for the first time are more likely to develop cervical cancer earlier than women who become pregnant after age 25.
3.10. Economic status Many low-income women do not have easy access to adequate health care services, including cervical cancer screening with Pap tests and HPV testing. This means they may not be screened or treated for cervical cancer.
To prevent cervical cancer, you should get the HPV vaccine. Vinmec International General Hospital has been deploying immunization services with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, and women before and during pregnancy. . This includes a vaccine against cervical cancer. The advantages of vaccination at Vinmec include:
Patients will be examined by specialist doctors, fully screened for physical and health problems, and advised on preventive vaccines and regimens. vaccination schedule, monitoring and post-vaccination care before giving the indication for vaccination according to the latest recommendations of the Ministry of Health & World Health Organization to ensure the best effectiveness and safety for children . A team of experienced and professional pediatric doctors and nurses, understand children's psychology and apply effective pain relief methods for children during the vaccination process. 100% of vaccinated patients were monitored 30 minutes after injection and reassessed before leaving. Undertake general medical supervision before, during and after vaccination at Vinmec Health System and always have an emergency team ready to coordinate with the vaccination department to handle cases of anaphylaxis, respiratory failure - circulatory arrest, ensuring Ensure timely and correct handling when incidents occur. Vaccines are imported and stored in a modern cold storage system, with a cold chain that meets GSP standards, keeping vaccines in the best conditions to ensure quality. To register for vaccination, please contact directly to Vinmec Health System nationwide or book an appointment HERE.
References: cancer.net, cancer.org, cdc.gov, mayoclinic.org, healthline.com

MORE:
Types of cervical cancer Cervical cancer stages Cervical cancer : Causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment