Ask the Experts- March 2023

Dear Red Hot Mamas,

I appreciate you providing me information on this question. I would like to know, what are the risk factors for cervical cancer and what are the symptoms?

Thank you.

Olivia

Dear Olivia,

Some of the causes for cervical cancer include:

· Most of cervical cancers are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus.

· HPV spreads through sexual contact with a person who already possess it.

· Not all types of HPV cause cervical cancer. Some of them cause genital warts, but other types may not cause any infections.

The risk factors include:

· Human papillomavirus

· Multiple sexual partners or having sexual partners who have had multiple partners.

· Having sex at early age

· Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS

· Smoking

The symptoms include abnormal uterine bleeding and spotting as well as abnormal vaginal discharge. If any of these symptoms occur, please make sure that you have a prompt medical evaluation.