Causes of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer occurs when healthy cells have mutations or genetic mutations. This genetic mutation converts normal cells into abnormal cells, then develops out of control and forms cancer cells. However, until now, we did not know what caused this gene change.

Untreated cancer cells will spread to the surrounding tissue. Spread through the lymphatic system, which is a lymphatic flow that produces antibodies to fight infection. When they reach the lymphatic system, cancer cells can spread to various organs of the body, such as bone. This process is called metastasis.

Although we do not yet know what the exact cause of cervical cancer, several factors increase the risk of getting this cancer. The main factor is a group of viruses called HPV (human papillomavirus) that infect the cervix. In addition to the genital area, HPV can also infect the skin and mucous membranes of the anus, mouth and throat.

HPV in the cervix is ​​transmitted through sexual contact and transmission is more risky if you have more than one sexual partner, early sexual intercourse, people with low immunity (for example in HIV patients). / AIDS), as well as people with sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.

In many cases, HPV infection goes away on its own. But in some women, HPV infection causes abnormal changes in uterine cells. This abnormal change is called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), a precancerous condition that will develop into cancer if left untreated. However, it is known that only 5% of HPV infections develop in CIN within 3 years. Uterine cancer can evolve from CIN after 5 to 30 years.

Research shows that more than 99% of cervical cancer cases are related to HPV. However, not all HPV causes cervical cancer. Out of more than 100 types of HPV viruses, only 15 are associated with cervical cancer, mainly HPV 16 and 18.

Smoking is another factor that can trigger cervical cancer. Women who smoke are twice as likely to develop cervical cancer than women who don't smoke. Chemical substances in cigarettes can enter the blood and are thought to affect body cells and cause various types of cancer, including cervical cancer.

In addition to the factors listed above, there are several other factors that can increase your risk of cervical cancer:

• Overweight (obesity).
• Eat less fruits and vegetables.
• Take medication to prevent miscarriage (dietilstilbestrol) during pregnancy.
• Take birth control pills for 5 years or more.
• Give birth to more than 5 children or give birth to less than 17 years.
• Family history of cervical cancer.

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