Risk factors and causes of cervical cancer

Many women have heard that having sexual intercourse at an early age and having multiple sexual partners can increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. They may be distressed that friends and family could think they fall into these categories.

It is important to remember that although these factors can increase the chances of catching the HPV virus|, many women who have only had one sexual partner have HPV, and may go on to develop CIN| or cervical cancer. So there is no reason for yourself or others to feel that you are to blame for having cervical cancer.

A weakened immune system may also allow CIN to develop into a cancer. The immune system can be weakened by smoking, poor diet, and other infections, such as HIV.

Long term use of the contraceptive pill (more than 10 years) can slightly increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, but the benefits of taking the pill outweigh the risks for most women.

Cancer of the cervix is not infectious and cannot be passed on to other people.

Preventing cervical cancer

Having routine smear tests| can reduce the risk of cervical cancer, as early changes in the cells of the cervix are picked up.