Risk Factors
According to the [https://www.cancer.gov/types/cervical/hp/cervical-prevention-pdq#_1 National Cancer Institute], almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by '''infection with high-risk types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)''', and '''HPV vaccination''' protects against the HPV types that most often cause cervical cancer. Any woman who is sexually active is at risk for HPV infection, but the risk for both HPV infection and cervical cancer increases with having '''sexual relations at an early age''' and having an '''increasing number of sexual partners'''. Factors associated with increased risk of cervical cancer among HPV-infected women include '''giving birth to many children''', '''cigarette smoking''' (both active and passive), and long-term use of '''oral contraceptives'''. [Last reviewed: 1/26/20]Related Risk Factors Indicators: