Cervical cancer risk is most commonly associated with contraction of a form of human papilloma virus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of this virus, and though it is most often spread by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex, it can also be spread by skin contact. Other factors associated with cervical cancer risk include smoking, immune deficiency disorders, and certain types of genital infections. In addition, there appears to be a link between cervical cancer and becoming pregnant at an early age and some types of birth control pills.
HPV accounts for the majority of cervical cancers, and though there are more than 100 types of HPV, only a few are directly linked to cervical cancer risk. The two types that most often cause cervical cancer are HPV 16 and HPV 18. Two other strains, types 6 and 11, are also linked to cervical cancer, and these strains typically cause the formation of warts around the infected areas. Genital warts are considered common and are usually caused by non-cancerous types of HPV, but people who have genital warts should probably see a physician to determine what type of virus caused the outbreak.
HPV virus usually clears up without any medical treatment, but in some cases, it may strengthen and spread. The primary way to identify the presence of HPV is by taking a culture from the infected area, such as a pap smear from the vagina. Doctors use the culture to look for signs of mutated cells that might indicate the presence of cancer.
After many years of research and study, a vaccine to combat cervical cancer has been developed. It works much like other common vaccines, such as the ones to prevent measles and rubella. The vaccine targets the main kinds of HPV that are likely responsible for most cervical cancer risk. If these types of HPV enter the bloodstream of someone who has had the vaccine, the virus is killed before it can spread or become cancerous. Many doctors recommend this shot be given to girls at the age of 13, but in most countries, it is not yet a mandatory vaccination.
Family history may also play a part in overall risk for developing cervical cancer. According to most research, women who have cervical cancer in their family history have more than double the risk of developing the cancer themselves. The research seems to suggest that some women may be born without a natural ability to combat HPV infections.