What are the sources of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is mainly related to factors such as human papillomavirus infection, bad sexual behavior, immunosuppression, smoking, and long-term use of birth control pills.

1. Viral infection

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus is the main causative factor of cervical cancer, of which HPV16 and HPV18 account for about 70% of cases. The virus integrates into the host cell genome, leading to the continued expression of E6/E7 oncogenes, thereby interfering with the function of tumor suppressor proteins. The nine-valent recombinant human papillomavirus vaccine can be used clinically for prevention. Patients with confirmed cases need to cooperate with doctors for colposcopy and pathological biopsy.

2. Sexual behavior factors

Early age at first sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, or a spouse having multiple sexual partners significantly increase the risk of infection. Sexually transmitted high-risk HPV viruses can damage the DNA repair mechanism of cells in the cervical transition zone. It is recommended that women of appropriate age undergo regular cervical cytology screening, and married women should use condoms to reduce the probability of cross-infection.

3.Immune deficiency

HIV-infected patients or patients who use immunosuppressants after organ transplantation have a risk of cervical cancer that is 5-10 times higher than that of ordinary people. Low immune function will lead to a reduced ability to clear the virus, making HPV infection more likely to develop into persistent infection. This group of people needs to undergo cervical cancer screening every six months, and preventive hysterectomy can be considered if necessary.

4. Smoking behavior

Carcinogens such as benzopyrene in tobacco can concentrate in cervical mucus and directly damage the genetic material of epithelial cells. The local immune function of the cervix of long-term smokers is suppressed, and the canceration process is accelerated after HPV infection. Quitting smoking and supplementing with vitamin E and beta-carotene can help reduce the risk.

5. Hormonal effects

Taking oral contraceptives for more than 5 years can increase the risk by 1.5-2 times, which may be related to hormonal changes in the sensitivity of cervical epithelium to carcinogens. Postmenopausal people taking estrogen replacement therapy also need to be monitored more closely. It is recommended to use barrier contraceptive methods instead of medication and conduct regular HPV-DNA testing.

Maintaining a single sexual partner, getting the HPV vaccine, and regular gynecological examinations are effective measures to prevent cervical cancer. It is recommended that women over the age of 21 undergo cervical cytology examination every three years, and women over the age of 30 can undergo combined HPV testing. In daily life, you should pay attention to genital hygiene, avoid using irritating lotions, and appropriately supplement folic acid and vitamin C to enhance cervical epithelial resistance. If contact bleeding or abnormal secretions occur, seek medical attention promptly.