Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer - Causes and Risk Factors

What causes cervical cancer?

Infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common cause for cervical cancer. These viruses are transmitted during sexual intercourse, as well as via oral or anal sex.

What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Sexual intercourse at an early age (before age 20)
Having multiple sexual partners
Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), e.g. chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and HIV/AIDS
Medical conditions or treatments that affect the immune system, e.g. autoimmune disease, taking long-term steroids or immunosuppressant drugs
Solid organ transplant
Past diagnosis of pre-cancerous stage cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)
Smoking

Gynaecological Oncology,

Medical Oncology,

Surgery ＆ Surgical Oncology,

Sexually Transmitted Infections,

Article contributed by Obstetrics ＆ Gynaecology, Singapore General Hospital

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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