Cervical cancer was once the most common cause of death among women. The use of the PAP test has changed this statistic, but there are still risk factors associated with cervical cancer that should not be ignored.
According to the American Cancer Society, Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African-Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and whites. Although this is a risk factor that cannot be changed, other factors are more controllable, such as:
- Obesity - the American Cancer Society lists being overweight as one of the risk factors for developing cervical cancer.
- Diet - the ACS also lists diet -- specifically a diet low on fruits and vegetables -- as a risk factor for cervical cancer.
- Poverty - why is poverty a risk factor? Because low-income women often do not have ready access to adequate health care services, including Pap tests, which is important in order to prevent and treat cervical cancer.
- Smoking - stop smoking! Women who smoke are twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer. According to research, tobacco products damage the DNA of cervix cells and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer.
To learn more risk factors associated with cervical cancer, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org/cancer/cervicalcancer/detailedguide/cervical-cancer-risk-factors
