What causes cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is a malignancy caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted virus, and almost all cervical cancer patients are found to be infected with certain HPV types.

The following are some of the main causes of cervical cancer:

1. HPV infection: Certain high-risk types of HPV infection are the main cause of cervical cancer. These HPV types can be transmitted through sexual contact, especially in the case of multiple sexual partners or early sexual life, the risk of infection is higher.

2. Immune system problems: Abnormal function of the immune system may increase the risk of cervical cancer. For example, people infected with HIV have a damaged immune system and are therefore more likely to be infected with HPV and develop cervical cancer.

3. Smoking: There is a clear link between smoking and cervical cancer. Smoking can cause inflammation and damage to cervical tissue, increasing the risk of HPV infection. Smoking can also reduce the function of the immune system and increase the risk of cervical cancer.

4. Long-term oral contraceptives: Long-term oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer. However, this risk is relatively low and will gradually decrease after stopping the medication.

5. Multiple sexual partners: Having sexual relations with multiple sexual partners increases the risk of HPV infection, which in turn leads to cervical cancer.

6. Bad lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and long-term exposure to environmental pollutants, may increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Despite these risk factors, not everyone who is infected with HPV will develop cervical cancer. Regular cervical cancer screening, such as cervical cytology (Pap) and HPV DNA testing, can help detect cervical cancer or its precursors early so that timely treatment can be provided. HPV vaccination can also reduce the risk of contracting high-risk HPV.