Which factor is a common risk for developing cervical cancer?

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the primary risk factor for developing cervical cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, and certain strains, particularly HPV types 16 and 18, are known to cause the majority of cervical cancer cases. When the virus infects the epithelial cells of the cervix, it can lead to cellular changes that may progress to precancerous lesions and eventually invasive cancer if not detected and treated early.

The association between HPV and cervical cancer is so significant that routine screening and vaccination against HPV have become pivotal aspects of cervical cancer prevention strategies. Vaccines have been developed to target the most harmful strains of the virus, reducing the incidence of HPV-related cervical cancers.

While smoking, aging, and long-term use of oral contraceptives can influence the risk of cervical cancer, they are considered secondary factors compared to the direct link between HPV infection and the development of the disease. Smoking has been associated with a higher risk of various cancers, including cervical cancer, but its role is more about enhancing the effects of other risk factors rather than being a direct cause. Aging is a factor, as the risk increases with age, but it is the cumulative effect of HPV infection over time that leads to significant risk changes