women s health issues
Cervical Cancer
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Precancerous changes in cervical cells (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and cervical cancer are almost always caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection which is transmitted through sexual contact. The HPV virus can also cause Risk factorsfor developing cervical cancer include the following: Having an increased chance of exposure to sexually transmitted infections (for example, having sexual intercourse for the first time at a young age, having more than one sex partner, or having sex partners who have risk factors for sexually transmitted infections) Using oral contraceptives (birth control pills) Smoking cigarettes Having had precancerous changes or cancer in the vulva, vagina, or anus Having a weakened immune system (due to a disorder such as cancer or AIDS or to medications such as chemotherapy drugs or corticosteroids) HPV can be transmitted through any kind of sexual activity, including oral, genital, or anal contact. HPV infection is very common, and approximately 80% of sexually active people are exposed to HPV infection at least once during their lifetime. Many HPV infections last only a short time, but some people can be infected with HPV more than one time, and some HPV infections last for years. 