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6 risk factors that can increase a woman’s risk in developing Cervical Cancer

Cervical Cancer is one of the most common and widespread diseases amongst women worldwide. Hence it is important to identify the risk factors associated with this disease. We continuously aim to reduce the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. This can be only achieved by identifying and preventing the risk factors:

  1. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Research shows that infection with this virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, amongst which only HPV16 and HPV18 are associated with cervical cancer.
  2. Weak immune system: A weak immune system is unable to destroy or curtail the growth and spread of cancer cells or infections like HPV.
  3. Smoking: Smoking tobacco doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer. It is an established fact that the by-products of tobacco damage the DNA in the cervix. It also weakens the immune system in fighting HPV infections.
  4. Family history: Cervical cancer may be due to a family tendency to inherit the inability for women to fight off HPV infections.
  5. Age: Women over 30 years of age remain at risk and need to have regular cervical cancer screenings like PAP smear test.
  6. Socioeconomic factors: Cervical cancer is more common among groups of women who are less likely to have access to screening for cervical cancer.

Cervical Cancer is a preventable disease. Hence it is important to identify, spread awareness and take preventive measures by spreading awareness and conducting screening camps. Our Foundation through ASHAworkers from Zilla Parisad, continuously educate women in rural areas of Aurangabad. We regularly conduct pap smear tests for cervical cancer screening. Our recent training program for the ASHA workers was organized on 11th of July at Borsar village in Vaijapur. Dr. Meher (Government medical Officer from Primary Health Center) and Mr. Ingle from Block Community Mobilizer (BCM) were present during the training program which was attended by 34 ASHA workers. Our awareness sessions are organized on a monthly basis followed by free health check-up camps conducted by MGM doctors in our well-equipped mobile van ‘clinic on wheels’. Through this process we continuously provide timely healthcare access to women in rural area of Aurangabad. Read more on www.gebbsfoundation.org 

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