Identifying risk factors in cervical cancer

September is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that it is the most frequent type of cancer and the leading cancer-related cause of death for South African women aged 15-44. The disease is second only to breast cancer in frequency, with 1/35 women diagnosed.

25 Sep 2014

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Some of the known high-risk factors for developing cervical cancer include infection with human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection. This is often the underlying cause of most cases of cervical cancer, with HPV types 16 and 18 causing about 70% of all cervical cancers.

"Cervical Cancer Awareness Month is a good time to find out how to avoid becoming one of these frightening statistics," says 1st for Women Insurance's Executive Head, Robyn Farrell.

11 tips for women

The Foundation's Cervical Cancer Programme, which is geared towards actively combatting cervical cancer, has 11 tips for South African women.

Schedule an annual pap smear with your gynaecologist - make it a priority. Do not wait for symptoms to appear - rather be screened regularly
High stress and negative emotions have been linked to cancer
Women who smoke are about twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer
Promiscuity and unprotected sex are risk factors for infections that can be causative factors in cervical cancer
Women whose diets do not include enough fruits and vegetables may be at increased risk. In addition, overweight women may be more likely to develop abnormalities of the cervix.
There is evidence that taking oral contraceptives (OCs) for a long time increases your risk. Discuss with your doctor if the benefits outweigh the slight potentially increased risk
Women who have had three or more full-term pregnancies have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer
Women who were younger than 17 years when they had their first full-term pregnancy are almost twice as likely to get cervical cancer
Poverty increases risk for cervical cancer. Many women with low incomes do not have ready access to adequate health care services, including pap smear tests.
If your mother or sister had cervical cancer, your chances of developing the disease are 2-3 times higher
Consider HPV vaccinations before you or later on in life, your daughter become sexually active. Research the pros and cons of having these injections done