5 things to know about the risks of cervical cancer

Just as regular checkups and screenings can help you detect health issues early, knowing your risk factors can do the same. Knowing your risk of cervical cancer can help prevent it or catch it early when it's most treatable.

"Despite being almost completely preventable through human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and screening, cervical cancer remains the fourth most common cancer to affect women worldwide," says Sudeshna Chatterjee-Paer, MD, FACOG, gynecologic oncologist at Main Line Health.

"By talking to your healthcare clinician about risk factors that may affect you, you can work together to monitor your cervical health."

1. The HPV vaccine is your best defense against cervical cancer

There are low-risk types of HPV that aren't frequently linked to cancer. However, there are high-risk types of HPV that are linked to many cancers, including cervical cancer.

"While HPV infections are common — and the body typically fights the infection on its own — in some women, the infection can become persistent. The combination of a persistent infection and a high-risk type of HPV can eventually lead to cancer," says Dr. Chatterjee-Paer.

Is there a cure for HPV?

There isn't currently a cure for HPV infection. However, there are treatments for the abnormal cell growth that HPV can cause. "It takes years after initial HPV infection for normal cells in the cervix to turn into cancer. This gives us an opportunity to intervene and prevent cancer from developing, That's why screening tests like Pap smears and HPV co-testing and HPV vaccinations are so important," says Dr. Chatterjee-Paer.

You can get a Pap smear and an HPV test at the same time. Talk with your primary care doctor and gynecologist about when you should start having HPV tests and how often. Testing is typically done for the following age groups:

• 30 years or older and at average risk: HPV tests can be done safely every five years.
• 21 through 29 years old: Your doctor may recommend every three years.

You can also talk with your doctor about HPV vaccines that can help prevent HPV infection and, as a result, certain cancers. Age is also an important factor for administering the HPV vaccine to everyone:

• Nine through 12 years old: When given in this age range, the HPV vaccine is most effective to prevent cervical cancer
• Up to 45 years old: The age up until which you can still get the HPV vaccine

2. Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer compared to those who don't

Harmful substances from tobacco are absorbed through the lungs and travel to the rest of the body through the bloodstream. By-products of tobacco can damage the DNA of cervical cells and smoking weakens the immune system's ability to fight HPV infection.

All these reasons make smoking a risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Smoking is harmful to your body in many ways, including your cervical health. The best way to keep your body and cervix healthy is to not smoke. This includes traditional cigarettes and vaping.

Where can I get help to stop smoking or vaping?

If you want to commit to a smoke-free life, Main Line Health Smoking Cessation program can provide you with resources and support on your journey to quit smoking or vaping.

3. Certain pregnancy-related factors may put you at a higher risk of cervical cancer

It's important to note that pregnancy itself doesn't cause cervical cancer. However, being younger than age 17 at your first full-term pregnancy and having more pregnancies may put you at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

There are a few possible reasons for this correlation:

• Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy may make you more susceptible to HPV infection.
• Pregnancy weakens your immune system, which may allow an HPV infection to develop.

Is HPV testing part of prenatal care?

Regular prenatal screenings are key to a healthy pregnancy. While not all pregnant women are routinely tested for HPV, Pap tests and HPV tests can be done at the same time to see if you have a type of HPV that can cause cervical cancer.

"Cervical cancer is the most commonly diagnosed gynecological cancer during pregnancy. Oftentimes women who have limited healthcare only get the regular care they need while they're pregnant," says Dr. Chatterjee-Paer. "Because of this, abnormalities like HPV may only be detected during pregnancy. It's extremely important that any abnormalities, no matter when they are detected, are followed up on and treated properly."

4. Certain sexual activity factors can increase the risk of cervical cancer

It's important to note that sexual activity itself doesn't cause cancer. The likelihood of developing cervical cancer is linked to a persistent HPV infection. Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, most infections are transient and resolve spontaneously without causing cancer.

However, any sexual contact — including oral sex, penetrant sex, genital rubbing and shared sex toys — can result in HPV infection and increase your risk of cervical cancer.

Can I limit my chances of getting HPV from sexual activity?

You can practice safe sex by using protection and having open conversations about past sexual activity with your partner. Protection and honesty can help reduce your risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer.

5. You can take action to lower your risk of cervical cancer

There are several ways you can lower your risk, including:

• Getting the HPV vaccine
• Keeping up with regular screenings, such as Pap tests and HPV tests
• Practicing safe sex

"If you do develop cervical cancer, it's important to note that there have been many scientific advancements, including immunotherapy and antibody-drug conjugates, which offer new hope, especially when the cancer has spread or come back," Dr. Chatterjee-Paer says.

"Talk to your healthcare clinician about ways to support your cervical health. Together, you can create a plan to reduce your risk of cervical cancer."

Next steps:

Read more about gynecologic oncology specialist Sudeshna Chatterjee-Paer, MD, FACOG.

Learn more about cervical cancer care at Main Line Health.

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