Cervical cancer is most commonly found in women who are over the age of 30, and it is rare in women under the age of 20. Certain factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing cervical cancer, including:
- HPV infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause cervical cancer.
- Smoking: Women who smoke are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Weak immune system: Women with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES): Women whose mothers took DES during pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Family history: Women with a family history of cervical cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Socioeconomic status: Women of low socioeconomic status or women who lack access to healthcare are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
It’s worth noting that these factors may increase the risk of cervical cancer but it does not mean that all women with these risks will develop cervical cancer. Regular cervical cancer screenings and early detection can significantly lower the risk of developing cervical cancer, and help improve the chances of successful treatment.