Identify the most significant risk factor for cervical cancer, and list any three of the other risk factors for this disease. Discuss the detection of cervical cancer.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers should include at least three of the "other factors."The most significant risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV), a group of more than 100 related viruses, some of which can cause cervical cancer. The virus is frequently transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex or simply by skin-to-skin contact with a body area infected with the HPV.?Most infected women do not develop cervical cancer, but other factors can contribute to cancer development. These factors are smoking, infections (the HIV or chlamydia), a diet poor in fruits and vegetables, being overweight, long-term use of birth control pills, multiple pregnancies or pregnancy prior to age 17, and family history.?Early detection through regular screening is critical for cancer prevention. A Pap test, which screens for precancerous cervical cells, was traditionally recommended to start at age 21 and then be repeated every three years up to age 65. From age 30, an HPV test may be used with a Pap test in a screening known as co-testing. If a woman's test results are normal, her chances of getting cervical cancer for the next few years are low. She can wait for five years prior to her next screening.