A risk factor intensifies your chances of contracting a particular disease. Risk factors of cervical cancer are responsible for stimulating cancer growth. However, it does not always lead to cancer in the early stages. Knowing the risk factors for cervical cancer can help you avoid the disease and live a healthier life. To help you, here are eight risk factors for cervical cancer in women.

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV infection is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer. Most women are infected by this virus when they become sexually active. When women start having sex at a young age or engage with multiple partners, they increase their chances of contracting the high-risk HPV virus.

2. Weakened immunity system
Women face an increased risk of cervical cancer when the immune system is compromised. Your immunity may be affected due to organ transplantation, cancer treatment, or HIV. This virus attacks and weakens your immunity, impacting its ability to fight the onset of cancer.  Another group of women at a higher risk for cervical cancer are the ones that take medications to suppress the immune system for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

3. Herpes
Women suffering from genital herpes are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Maintaining several sexual partners can elevate one’s chances of getting herpes.

4. Smoking
Women who smoke double their chances of developing cervical cancer, as opposed to those who don’t. Since chemicals found in cigarettes can damage cervix cells, it can lead to cancer growth in the body.

5. Age
Women above 30 years of age face an increased risk of contracting cervical cancer. Therefore, they must undergo regular screenings, including a pap test and an HPV test.

6. Socio-economic risk factors
Cervical cancer is common among a set of women, including Hispanic women, African-American women, women in low-income groups, and American-Indian women.

7. Oral birth control pills
According to research, oral contraceptives increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, especially in women carrying human papillomavirus. One should have an open chat with the doctor regarding the benefits and side effects of oral contraceptives.

8. Practicing unsafe sex
A woman engaging in sex with multiple partners is at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. This is because it increases one’s chances of exposure to HPV. However, they can reduce their risk of contracting the virus by practicing safe sex.

Research continues to study the risk factors for cervical cancer and effective ways to prevent it. There is no proven method to prevent this disease except to be aware of its risk factors and taking preventive measures—lower one’s chances of contracting cervical cancer. You can also talk to your doctor if you are sexually active and want to take an informed approach to overcome the risks.