What are the risk factors for cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer risk factors

Nearly 100% of all cervical cancers are caused by a lingering HPV infection. HPV is transmitted sexually or by skin-to-skin contact. Most HPV infections do not cause cervical cancer. Typically, the immune system clears the infection within 2 years. If the body cannot clear the infection, then the risk of cervical cancer is increased.

Other cervical cancer risk factors include:

• Immunosuppression in HIV or organ transplant patients
• Smoking cigarettes doubles the risk of cervical cancer
• Having other STDs in addition to HPV
• Infection of high risk HPV strains
• Women who do not get regular pap smear testing