Cervical cancer starts as excess growth of cells on the surface of the cervix, a tube that connects the uterus to the vagina. This abnormal genetic mutation of cells causes them to multiply rapidly out of control, and cancer develops and spreads inside the organ. It may be a couple of years before the first symptoms of the cancerous growth start to show. For a thorough diagnosis, it becomes imperative to understand the associated causes and risk factors.

1. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
The virus is one of the primary causes of cervical cancer that develops among women. The virus triggers a protein imbalance and affects the suppressor genes in the human body that prevent such tumors from forming. The HPV infection also allows cells on the cervical lining to grow and multiply out of control leading to cancer. This rare form of mutation directly affects the genetic code of healthy cells on the surface, and as cancer progresses, the cells mutated towards the internal organs.

2. Long term use of contraceptives
There are several different types of contraceptives that women can use to practice safe sex. However, many prefer a low dose of oral contraceptive pills when alternatives are just not feasible. These pills are also widely available and are a cheap option compared to surgical procedures for birth control. However, studies show that the prolonged use of oral medications significantly increases the risk of cervical cancer among some women.

3. An active sexual history
The risk of cervical cancer is high among women who become sexually active from a young age (younger than 18) and have multiple partners. The risk of the HPV infection spreading across numerous partners is high even with precautions in place. In many cases, both partners may have an active history, and it is hard to tell how the virus is transmitted. Also, women who have a history of sexually transmitted bacterial infections, like chlamydia, can also contract the HPV virus.

4. Complications in pregnancy
Women who conceive before the age of 20 are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer. Also, multiple full-time pregnancies increase the risk of cancer due to increased exposure to the HPV virus. Studies indicate that women become more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases that lead to cervical cancer after three or more pregnancies. The hormonal changes triggered during multiple pregnancies also affect their immunity, increasing the risk of cell mutation.

5. Family history and lifestyle choices
A family history of cancer is a warning. Also, certain habits like smoking can expose the body to carcinogens that weaken immunity and affect cell growth structure. Even lack of proper nutrition or being overweight can affect the way these cancerous tumors mutate. All these factors collectively influence the growth of cervical cancer among adults.