Among cancer deaths occurring in women, cervical cancer is one of the leading causes. Cancer in the cervix can be a life-threatening condition if it is not diagnosed and treated on time. There are various screening procedures followed to identify the presence and severity of cervical cancer. Knowing about the common causes of cervical cancer can help women check for early warning signs and get timely treatment.

Common causes of cervical cancer

• Gene level mutations cause the occurrence of any type of cancer. Cervical cancer could be caused whenever there is a drop in the level of tumor suppressor genes in the body. Another case could be when the oncogenes are overactive. The former helps in curbing any anomalous growth of cells or tumorous growth. The latter helps in the multiplication of cells. Certain types of gene modifications or defects can lead to an elevation in oncogenes, which leads to spurious growth of cells called “cancer.”
• HPV or Human Papillomavirus is one of the major causes of infections associated with cervical cancer. The proteins in this virus can meddle with the levels of tumor suppressor genes in the body, making it impossible for the body to stop the rapid growth of cervical cells. There are some people who suffer from HPV infections but never develop cervical cancer. But women who are generally in the high-risk category should be screened for cervical cancer if they suffer from HPV infection. Besides cervical cancer, this infection can also lead to vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer. Such risks increases if the body is unable to fight the effects of HPV within two years from the time of infection.
• People with a weak immune system are susceptible to cancer-causing HPV infections. There are various other health conditions that can lead to malfunctioning of the immune system and increase the risks of cervical cancer.
• Women who have been on birth control pills for a long time are likely to fall prey to cervical cancer. Contraceptive pills taken for 5 consecutive years increases the risk of cervical cancer to a great extent.
• Some sexually transmitted diseases and infections can also aggravate cervical cancer risks in women. HPV can also be transmitted through unprotected sex. It can be the cause of various other infection symptoms like warts in the genital area.
• Women over the age of 30 years are at higher risk of cervical cancer than younger women.
• Women who are sexually active shortly after the first period fall in the high-risk category for cervical cancer. They should be more cautious about understanding the causes of cervical cancer and take steps to reduce the risks.

With this knowledge about the common causes of cervical cancer, look out for any symptoms.