Reduce your risks

Risk factors for cervical cancer

Persistent HPV infection is the biggest risk factor for cervical cancer. Other risk factors are described below.

Lack of cervical screening tests

Cervical cancer is more common among women who don’t have regular Cervical Screening Tests. Find out about Cervical Screening Tests (CST).

Smoking

Chemicals in tobacco may damage the cells of the cervix and make cancer more likely to develop. Smoking also makes the immune system less effective in fighting HPV infections. Women who smoke tobacco are about twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer.

Weak immune system

The immune system helps rid the body of HPV. Women with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing cervical cancer.

Age

Women over 35 years old are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Around 70% of cervical cancers are diagnosed in women under 60 years old.

Long term use of contraceptive pills

An increased risk of cervical cancer may occur in women who have HPV and have been taking contraceptive pills for 5 or more years. This risk decreases quickly if you stop using the pill.

Screening abnormality or previous cancer

Women who have HPV are at a higher risk of cervical cell changes or abnormalities and cancer. Women who have been diagnosed with cervical cancer in the past are also at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer again.

Having many children

Having 5 or more children may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer for women who have HPV infection.

Having other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

STIs such as chlamydia and herpes can increase the risk of cervical cancer.

Exposure to Diethylstilboestrol (DES)

DES is an oestrogen-based medication prescribed to women from the 1950s to the early 1970s to prevent miscarriage. Although rare, studies have shown that the daughters of women who took DES have an increased risk of developing a rare type of adenocarcinoma.

How to prevent cervical cancer

Let’s prevent one of the most preventable cancers together.

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers when detected and treated early. Women of any age experiencing symptoms, such as pain or bleeding, should make an appropriate clinical assessment with their doctor immediately. Make sure to discuss all concerns and issues with your doctor and/or health practitioner.

Cervical screening

The best way to prevent cervical cancer and detect cervical abnormalities is through cervical screening. For more information and tips about cervical screening (formerly the Pap test or Pap smear), visit our cervical screening page.

HPV vaccination

The National Immunisation Program provides the HPV vaccine for free up until a person turns 26 years of age. For more information about HPV and the HPV vaccine (also called cervical cancer vaccine), visit our HPV vaccination page.

Practise safer sex

Using dental dams, gloves and condoms (on a penis, dildo or sex toys) can reduce the transmission of HPV. The use of lube so dams, gloves and condoms don’t break is also helpful. However, as HPV is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact rather than bodily fluids, condoms cannot provide full protection from contracting HPV. Even though their protection against HPV has limitations, the use of condoms is highly encouraged as they provide valuable protection against many STIs and unplanned pregnancy. HPV can also be contracted through any oral and genital contact.

Choose not to smoke

Smoking can increase your risk of cervical cancer. Chemicals in tobacco may damage the cells of the cervix and make cancer more likely to develop. Smoking also makes the immune system less effective in fighting HPV infections. People who smoke tobacco are about twice as likely as non-smokers to get cervical cancer.