Risk factors for the development of cervical carcinoma

Risk factors for the development of cervical carcinoma

cervical carcinoma

The second most common female malignancy in the world is cervical carcinoma. There are approximately 500,000 new cases each year. It is also considered as the third most common cause of female mortality.  Although it is the most preventable type of cancer, about 300,000 women worldwide die because of cervical cancer.

 Cervical cancer risk factor increases the chance of getting the disease but does not guarantee that cervical cancer will develop. Some of the risk factors such as

smoking and sexual behavior can be avoided, but family history and age are out of control. 

Predominant risk factor to cervical cancer development is infection by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are over 100 different strains of HPV. It can infect the surface of the skin, mouth, throat, genitals and anus. At present, there is no cure for HPV infection but there are ways to treat the abnormal cell growth that HPV causes.

Smoking is a great factor in causing cervical cancer. By-products of tobacco have been found in the cervical mucus of women who smoke. The carcinogens in cigarettes can cause damage to cervical cells. According to studies, smoking can accelerate the cervical damage caused by HPV. It also weakens the immune system, thus less effective in fighting HPV infections.

Sexual history plays a big part in increasing the risk of developing HPV. Having multiple sexual partners and sexual intercourse at age 17 years or younger are at higher risk. Sexual activity with multiple partners has a great percentage to acquire sexually transmitted diseases that may prolong HPV infection.

Cervical cancer is said to be hereditary. It is estimated that first degree relative (mother or sister) who has had cervical cancer can increase the chance of developing the disease 2 to 3 times higher compared to those who don’t have any history of the disease.

Oral contraceptives that are used for more than 5 years are also at risk. Also, multiple full-term pregnancies (3 or more) can increase the risk though no further study was conducted to prove this. One theory is that pregnant women have weak immune system, allowing for HPV infection and cancer growth. Another thought is that hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the women susceptible to HPV infection.

Between 1940 and 1971, diethylstilbestrol (DES) -- an estrogen related drug was used for women who were at high risk of having miscarriage. DES daughters are at risk of developing pre-cancers of the cervix related to HPV. DES is no longer prescribed.

It is important for women to get regular Pap tests to detect cervical cancer early.