When Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, in her interim budget speech, talked about the Government of India’s (GoI) commitment towards vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 against cervical cancer, it brought into focus one of the deadly diseases that women are subjected to. According to ICMR’s National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), more than 3.4 lakh women in India were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023. As per a Lancet study, India records one in five cervical cancer cases globally.
Cervical cancer results in the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, and early detection can help in proper treatment. That said, it’s equally essential to know the causes behind cervical cancer and taking precautionary steps can go a long way in keeping the disease at bay.
What Causes Cervical Cancer?
Various causes of cervical cancer include:
● Smoking tobacco
If you smoke, there are higher chances of developing precancerous lesions of the cervix, leading to cervical cancer. Note that most cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus, which tends to last long if you smoke. To remain guarded, it’s in your best interest to get rid of the habit immediately. Seek medical help if you find it difficult to quit smoking.
● Weakened immune system
It’s for nothing that doctors advise to have a strong immune system. If you have a weak immune system, it can become more difficult for your body to fight the HPV virus. This increases the chances of getting affected with cervical cancer. Develop healthy habits, including a nutritious diet and exercise to boost your immune system.
● Irresponsible sexual life
This is another major cause of cervical cancer. The higher the number of sexual partners, the greater the chances of getting infected with the HPV virus. This virus gets transmitted from one person to another through sexual contact. Also, having physical relationships at an early stage exposes you to the risk of HPV.
● Reproductive factors
Though not well understood, some studies suggest that the usage of oral contraceptives, including birth control pills and giving birth to several children, increases the risk of cervical cancer. Though more research needs to be done in this regard, it’s crucial to use such contraceptives with precautions.