Other Factors That Can Increase Risk
HPV is the primary cause, but other factors can increase the likelihood that an HPV infection will persist or contribute to cervical cancer.
These may include:
Smoking
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer and can affect the body’s ability to deal with HPV infection.
A Weakened Immune System
People with weakened immune systems may have more difficulty clearing persistent HPV infections.
Lack of Regular Screening
Without appropriate screening, abnormal cervical changes may remain undetected for a long time.
Certain Medical Conditions
Some health conditions or treatments that affect immune function can increase the risk of persistent HPV infection.
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
Cervical cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages.
However, certain symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
These can include:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding between periods
- Bleeding after sexual intercourse
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Persistent pelvic pain
- Unusual or persistent vaginal discharge
These symptoms do not necessarily mean that a person has cervical cancer.
There are many other possible causes, but persistent or unusual symptoms should not be ignored.
Why Online Health Claims Can Be Misleading
Social media can quickly spread stories that connect a common household habit with a serious disease.
