Smoking Leads to Cervical Cancer? Understanding 8 Groups at Risk of HPV and Cervical Cancer
2023-07-24
Apart from causing throat, lung, and esophageal cancer, smoking is also associated with cervical cancer, with its connection to HPV. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus responsible for over 90% of cervical cancer cases. In addition to smokers, 7 other high-risk groups should be aware of their HPV infection and cancer risk.
As HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, individuals with different sexual habits may be exposed to HPV infection and the risk of cervical cancer:
1. Early-onset of sexual activity
Early sexual activity increases the chances of continuous infection with high-risk HPV compared to those who start sexual activity later. Additionally, HPV vaccine does not treat existing HPV infections, its effectiveness may be reduced if you are infected before vaccination.
2. Multiple sexual partners
The chance of contracting HPV is up to 80% for both men and women over their lifetime, with a higher risk associated with having more sexual partners.
3. Active sex life
Frequent sexual activity increases the risk of persistent HPV infection and a higher likelihood of developing cervical cancer.
4. Engaging in unsafe sex
Not using condoms during sexual intercourse increases the risk of HPV infection. However, it is important to note that HPV can also be transmitted through non-penetrative sexual contact, such as oral-genital or genital-anal contact.
In general, human immune system can combat HPV infections. Usually, it takes 5-20 years of persistent infection with high-risk HPV to develop cervical cancer. However, individuals with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing cancer after HPV infection:
5. Regular smokers
Smoking can damage the immune system, making smokers more susceptible to HPV infection. Nicotine and other carcinogens in tobacco can also damage cervical cells' genes, increasing the risk of cervical cancer.
6. Chronic patients
Individuals with long-term illnesses generally have weaker immune systems. For example, HIV patients’ immune system is gradually weakened by HIV, making them more susceptible to other virus infection including HPV.
7. Long-term contraceptive pill use
Data shows that there is a positive correlation between long-term use of oral contraceptives (over 5 years) and cervical cancer cases. However, this might be the result of a higher tendency for early sexual activity, multiple sexual partners, or engaging in unsafe sex among women taking long-term contraceptive pills.
8. Pregnant and postpartum women
Women’s cervical epithelium becomes thinner during childbirth, reducing its ability to resist infection. Furthermore, postpartum hormonal changes expose more skin at the cervical opening, increasing the chance of HPV infection. The risk of HPV infection also increases with the number of childbirths.
INDICAID HPV Urine Test (with Report)
INDICAID HPV Urine Test is an accurate, private and easy-to-use cervical cancer screening test that detects the presence of HPV. Empowered by the patented PHASiFY technology for urine DNA concentration and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT), the test can detect 27 types of HPV (14 high-risk HPVs and 13 low-risk HPVs) in urine samples, providing you a more efficient, convenient, and comprehensive analysis of your cervical cancer risk.
• Lower the risk of developing >95% of cervical cancer
• Non-invasive, private, easy-to-use
• Suitable for men & women - protect yourself and your partner
• Sample pick-up / drop-off service
• Test report in 5 working days
• Complimentary Pap smear test when high-risk HPV detected
