Cervical cancer is not considered to be hereditary. It's caused by certain types of a common virus, human papillomavirus (HPV).
There are many types of HPV. Most of them are harmless, but others can be quite serious, like the ones that can cause cervical cancer.
How does HPV become cervical cancer?
When a woman becomes infected with certain “high-risk” types of human papillomavirus (such as HPV Types 16 and 18) and her body does not clear the infection, abnormal cells can develop in the lining of her cervix. If these abnormal cells are not discovered early, they can become cervical precancer and then cancer. In most cases, this process can take a number of years, although in rare instances it can happen within a year.
Progression of abnormal cervical cells
At what age does cervical cancer usually strike?
Half of all females diagnosed with cervical cancer are between 35 and 55 years of age. At this age, they may be raising children and contributing to the income and overall well-being of their families. However, many of these women may not realize that they were probably exposed to one of the “high-risk” types of HPV during their teens and 20s.
That's why it's important to talk with your doctor early on and learn more about Pap tests, which help detect abnormal cell changes in the cervix before they become cancerous.
