Types of cervical cancer, risk factors and prevention

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the female genital.

According to Mayoclinic, various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role inl causing most cervical cancer.

When exposed to HPV, the body’s immune system typically prevents the virus from doing harm. In a small percentage of people, however, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.

You can reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer by having screening tests and receiving a vaccine that protects against HPV infection.

Types of cervical cancer

The type of cervical cancer that you have helps determine your prognosis and treatment. The main types of cervical cancer are:

1. Squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the thin, flat cells (squamous cells) lining the outer part of the cervix, which projects into the female genital opening. Most cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.

2. Adenocarcinoma. This type of cervical cancer begins in the column-shaped glandular cells that line the cervical canal.

Sometimes, both types of cells are involved in cervical cancer. Very rarely, cancer occurs in other cells in the cervix.

Cervical cancer risk factors

Risk factors for cervical cancer include:

1. Many sexual partners. The greater your number of sexual partners, and the greater your partner’s number of sexual partners, the greater your chance of acquiring HPV.

2. Early sexual activity. Having intercouse at an early age increases your risk of HPV.

3. Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Having other STIs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS, increases your risk of HPV.

4. A weakened immune system. You may be more likely to develop cervical cancer if your immune system is weakened by another health condition and you have HPV.

5. Smoking. Smoking is associated with squamous cell cervical cancer.

6. Exposure to miscarriage prevention drug. If your mother took a drug called diethylstilbestrol (DES) while pregnant in the 1950s, you may have an increased risk of a certain type of cervical cancer called clear cell adenocarcinoma.

Prevention

To reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

1. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine. Receiving a vaccination to prevent HPV infection may reduce your risk of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers. Ask your doctor whether an HPV vaccine is appropriate for you.

2. Have routine Pap tests. Pap tests can detect precancerous conditions of the cervix, so they can be monitored or treated in order to prevent cervical cancer. Most medical organizations suggest beginning routine Pap tests at age 21 and repeating them every few years.

3. Practice safe intercouse. Reduce your risk of cervical cancer by taking measures to prevent sexually transmitted infections, such as using a condom every time you have intercouse and limiting the number of sexual partners you have.

4. Don’t smoke. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do smoke, talk to your doctor about strategies to help you quit.