cancer cervixPapillomavirus is a necessary cause but not enough of this cancer. Other conditions may occur such as smoking, multiple sex partners. Some risk factors can increase the risk that a woman is diagnosed with cancer of the cervix. Among these include:

Cancer Risk Factors uterusLes major risk factors

Infection by certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)

* Today, it is estimated that almost all cancers of the cervix is linked to HPV. Papillomavirus (HPV) are a cause necessary but not sufficient for cervical cancer. If they are removed from most women, they persist in others and participate in the development of cancer of the cervix. The most virulent strains are HPV 16 and 18;

The failure to be followed by regular smear

* Cancer of the cervix is changing very slowly from precancerous lesions. Supported and treated at an early stage of anomaly, it does not develop until stage cancer. A regular Pap smear screening (all women aged 25 to 65 every 3 years after two normal smears a year apart) provides good protection. To learn more, read our “The smear against cancer of the cervix uteri.

Other risk factors
* Becoming sexually active at a young age and having many sexual partners increasing the risk of HPV infection by the most virulent and therefore increases the risk of cancer of the cervix.
* Active smoking (> 15 cigarettes per day) or passive use of the term of OCs (> 5 years).
* Some sexually transmitted infections including Chlamydia trachomatis or herpes simplex virus type 2 (genital herpes).
* A weakened immune system due to drugs that inhibit the immune system or the presence of an infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
* Being the daughter of a woman who took diethylstilbestrol (DES) medication during pregnancy. To learn more, read our article “Distilbène: how many women in danger?”
* Some dietary factors have been suspected, including vitamin B6, B12 and folate. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables decrease the risk.