Health Tip: Are You at Greater Risk For Cervical Cancer?

Here are common risk factors

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(HealthDay News) -- The most common cause of cervical cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus. Before cancer develops in the cervix, cervical cells begin to develop abnormally -- a process known as dysplasia. These abnormal cells can be detected by a test called a Pap smear.

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The U.S. National Cancer Institute lists these risk factors for developing cervical cancer:

• Not having regular Pap smears.
• Abnormal Pap results.
• Having sex at a young age.
• Having many sexual partners.
• Giving birth to many children.
• Smoking.
• Taking oral contraceptives.
• Having a weakened immune system.

-- Diana Kohnle