Main causes of cervical cancer (and how to prevent it)

The main cause and risk factor for cervical cancer is infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which can be transmitted sexually and promote changes in the DNA of cells, which favors the development of cancer.

Cervical cancer, also called cervical cancer, is a malignant change that involves the cells of the uterus, developing slowly and being more common in women between 40 and 60 years old.

Some symptoms that may arise in the case of cervical cancer are abdominal pain, bleeding after sexual intercourse and bleeding between menstrual cycles, and it is important that a gynecologist is consulted. See more about cervical cancer.

Main causes

Cervical cancer is caused by prolonged infection with some types of HPV viruses, such as HPV 16 and 18.

Furthermore, there are some factors that can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with the HPV virus, such as:

• Very early onset of sexual life;
• Having multiple sexual partners;
• Do not use a condom during sexual intercourse;
• Have an STI, such as genital herpes or chlamydia;
• Having had several births;
• Poor personal hygiene;
• Prolonged use of oral contraceptives for more than 10 years;
• Prolonged use of immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids;
• Exposure to ionizing radiation;
• Have ever had squamous dysplasia of the vulva or vagina;
• Having lower immunity, such as HIV, or some other disease that compromises the immune system.

It is important to remember that a family history or smoking habit also increases the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Make an appointment with your nearest gynecologist to assess your risk of cervical cancer:

When to suspect cancer

Some symptoms that may indicate cervical cancer are vaginal bleeding outside of menstruation, the presence of discharge and pelvic or abdominal pain.

These symptoms should be evaluated by the gynecologist as soon as they appear so that, if it really is a cancer situation, treatment is easier.

How to prevent the onset of cancer

One of the main ways to prevent cervical cancer is to avoid HPV infection, which can be done by using a condom in all sexual relations.

In addition, it is also recommended to avoid smoking, practice adequate intimate hygiene and take the HPV vaccine, which can be done free of charge in the SUS, for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 14, or privately, for women up to the age of 45 years old or men up to 26 years old. Understand better when to get the HPV vaccine.

Another very important measure is to undergo annual screening at the gynecologist, through the Preventive exam or Pap smear. This exam allows the doctor to identify early changes that could be a sign of cervical cancer, which increases the chances of a cure.