Medical Health Encyclopedia

Hispanic American women also have more than twice the risk of invasive cervical cancer as Caucasian women due to a lower rate of screening. This lower rate, particularly in immigrants from Mexico, may be due to cultural beliefs that Pap smears might be an "admission of immorality." Fortunately, evidence in 2002 suggests that screening is increasing in young Hispanic women.

Specific Risk Factors for Human Papillomavirus

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer. Between 12% and 46% of American women carry the virus. The risk for cervical cancer in infected women appears to be highest in those infected with HPV for more than six months. In most people, the virus goes away within a year. However, it persists in about 10% of infected women.

High Sexual Activity. In adults, the most important risk factor for HPV is sexual activity with an infected person. Women most at risk for cervical cancer are those with a history of multiple sexual partners, sexual intercourse at 17 years or younger, or both. A woman who has never been sexually active has a very low risk for developing cervical cancer. Sexual activity with multiple partners increases the likelihood of many infections in addition to human papillomavirus.

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Douching. Women who douche on a weekly basis are more likely to contract cervical cancer than those who do not. Douching may destroy the natural antiviral agents normally present in the vagina, making women more susceptible to HPV.

Pessaries. Use of a pessary (a ring-shaped plastic device that keeps the vagina and uterus from collapsing) increases the risk of chronic inflammation and viral infection at the insertion site and therefore may increase the risk for cervical cancer.

Risk Factors for HPV in Children and Infants. HPV also can occur in children and even newborns. The virus may also be transmitted by an infected mother. In children, HPV is usually the harmless form that cause skin warts.