The cofactors that may lead to cervical cancer are varied, but according to the American Cancer Society the following contribute significant risk factors:

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A virus that infects the mucous membranes and the skin of humans with more than 130 types. Different variations of the HPV virii have been known to cause cancer or gential warts while other types show no symptomology.

Smoking: Women that smoke have twice as much of a chance of developing cervical cancer than non-smokers. The act of smoking means you are ingesting a cornicopia of chemicals that cause cancer on a regular basis that are absorbed by the lungs then carried through the bloodstream.

HIV Infection: The Human immunodeficiency virus is so destructive to the immune system that it makes women that much more succeptable to cervical cancer.

Birth Control Pills: Researchers have found evidence that taking birth control pills for an extended amount of time increases the risk of cervical cancer. Research has found that the risk goes up as long as the woman takes the pills, but drops again as she stops taking them. It has been found that women taking the pills longer than five years double their chances of cervical cancer but their risk returned to “normal” after 10 years.

Chlamydia Infection: A bacteria that can infect a womans reproductive system, studies have shown that the risk of cervical cancer is higher in women whos blood tests have shown past infection.

Diet: Women who do not eat fresh fruits and vegetables are at increased risk for cervical cancer, as are overweight women.

Multiple Pregnancies: Women that have had several full-term pregnancies are at increased risk of cervical cancer, though the reason why is still a mystery to researchers.

Diethylstilbestrol: A drug that was given to women in from 1940 to 1971 that altered hormones in an attempt to prevent miscarriages.

Family History: A history of cervical cancer may be prevalent in families. If you have a mother or sister who has had cervical cancer than the chanced you may develop the disease are increased by three. Researches believe that this is because of an inheretid condition.

While these are accurate definitions of cofactors of cervical cancer, you should contact your physician if you have any further questions or have these risk factors explained fully. These definitions are not ment to replace the advice of a practicing doctor.