A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors, such as smoking, can be controlled. Others, like a person's age or race, can't be changed. Several risk factors increase a woman�s chance of getting cervical cancer.

In looking at risk factors, it is useful to focus on those that can be changed. Still, those that can't be changed also serve to remind women about the importance of getting a Pap test.

For cervical cancer, the most important risk factor is infection with HPV (human papilloma virus). HPVs are a group of more than 100 types of viruses that cause warts. Some types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types cause cancer of the cervix. These are called "high-risk" HPVs. HPV is passed from one person to another during sex. Having unprotected sex, especially at a young age, makes HPV infection more likely. Also, women who have many sexual partners (or who have sex with men who have had many partners) have a greater chance of getting HPV.

Right now there is no cure or treatment for the HPV that causes changes in the cells of the cervix, but often the HPV infection goes away on its own without any treatment. HPV occurs mainly in young women and is less common in women over 30. We don�t know why this is so. Condoms (rubbers) may protect against HPV when they are used correctly, and it is important to use them because they do protect against AIDS and other sexual diseases.

The Pap test can find changes in the cells of the cervix caused by HPVs. While there is no cure for HPV, the abnormal cell growth they cause can be treated. Vaccines have been made that will prevent infection with some types of HPV. Right now, one vaccine has been approved for use by the FDA and others are in development.

Even though HPV is an important risk factor for cervical cancer, most women with this infection do not get cervical cancer. Doctors believe other factors must come into play for this cancer to develop. Some of these factors are listed below.

Smoking: Women who smoke are about twice as likely as those who don�t to get cervical cancer. Tobacco smoke can produce chemicals that may damage the DNA in cells of the cervix and make cancer more likely to occur.

HIV infection (human immunodeficiency virus): HIV is the virus that causes AIDS (it is not the same as HPV). It can also be a risk factor for cancer of the cervix. Being HIV positive makes a woman's immune system less able to fight both HPV and early cancers.

Chlamydia (cluh-mid-ee-uh) infection: This is a rather common kind of bacteria that can infect women�s sex organs. It is spread during sex. Many women do not know they have it unless samples taken at the time of their Pap test are looked at for the bacteria. Some studies suggest that women who have this infection (or have had it in the past) are at greater risk for cancer of the cervix. While further studies are needed to find out if this is true, there are good reasons to avoid this infection or to have it treated. Long-term infection can cause other serious problems.

Diet can play a part as well. Diets low in fruits and vegetables are linked to an increased risk of cervical and other cancers. Also, women who are overweight are at a higher risk.

Birth control pills: Long-term use of birth control pills increases the risk of this cancer. Some studies show a higher risk after 5 or more years of use. You should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of birth control in your own case.

Having many pregnancies: Woman who have had many full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of this cancer. No one really knows why this is, but it has been proven beyond doubt by large studies.

Low income: Poor women are at greater risk for cancer of the cervix. This may be because they cannot afford good health care, including Pap tests.

DES (diethylstilbestrol): This drug is a hormone that was used between 1940 and 1971 for some women who were in danger of miscarriages. The daughters of women who took this drug have a slightly higher risk of cancer of the vagina and cervix.

Family history: Recent studies suggest that women whose mother or sister has had cervical cancer are more likely to get the disease themselves. This could be because they are less able to fight off HPV than other women, or other factors could be involved.

Revised: 11/30/2006