When you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer or any other form of cancer, the doctor will try to determine how far the disease has progressed or spread in the body. This is known as staging. Let us now take a look at the stages and risk factors of cervical cancer.

Stages and risk factors of cervical cancer

1. Stage I
In this stage, cancer cells have spread from the surface to the deeper cells of the cervix.

• IA
  The amount of cancerous cells is minimal and can only be seen under a microscope.
• IB
  The cancer is deeper than 5mm but is still contained in the cervix.

2. Stage II
In stage II, cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body and can be classed as follows:

• IIA
  Cancer has spread out of the cervix and uterus but has not affected the nearby tissues, known as parametria.
• IIB
  Cancer has grown and spread to the parametria.

3. Stage III
Cancer has progressed beyond the cervix.

• IIIA
  Cancer has spread to the lower region of the vagina.
• IIIB
  Cancer has spread to the pelvis and is blocking the flow of urine in the ureters.
• IIIC
  Cancer can be of any size and will show up on imaging tests. It has spread to nearby lymph nodes or para-aortic lymph nodes.

4. Stage IV
This stage is further divided as:

• IVA
  The cancer is growing out of the pelvis or has spread to the rectum or bladder.
• IVB
  Cancer has affected distant organs such as the lungs or bones.

In this article on the stages and risk factors of cervical cancer, let us now list some of the factors that make you more prone to developing this form of cancer.

1. HPV infection
The most common cause of cervical cancer is an infection caused by the human papillomavirus or HPV. This virus can be passed from one person to another during sexual activity and can cause growths such as genital or skin warts. In some cases, changes in the cervix cells could occur, which over time could cause these cells to turn cancerous.

2. Sexual history
Having more than one sexual partner or having a partner considered to be at high risk can increase your chances of developing cervical cancer. Also, becoming sexually active before the age of 18 can increase your risk of developing this type of cancer.

3. A weakened immune system
Conditions such as HIV or AIDS can make you susceptible to cervical cancer. Also, individuals that have been prescribed medications to suppress the immune system, such as those who have had organ transplants or are being treated for autoimmune conditions, are at a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.

Now that you are aware of the stages and risk factors of cervical cancer, you can speak to your doctor if you need more information or research online.