Though not too long ago teenagers seemed no more susceptible to cervical cancer than women over 20, recent studies have shown an increasing incidence of the cancer in teenagers. As a matter of fact, while rates of incidence are going down for adult women, they are rising more and more every year among girls between 15 and 19 years old.

A recent British study has concluded that between 1979 and 2003 the incidence of cervical cancer among the younger women studied with ages between 15 and 24 by 1,6% per year. A closer examination of the data gathered showed that people aged 15 to 19 were actually what triggered that increase with a rate going up 6,8%.



What makes this information even worse is the fact that medical research shown that the cancer usually develops much rapidly among young women. However, this area of research has not been given full attention so there might be some factors in the sub-group that have determined these findings. Research has also been known to neglect teenagers as a study group. It's not that teenagers are more reluctant to present themselves to such studies but often enough are not given the chance to participate.

Another thing that makes teenagers more exposed to cervical cancer is the fact that they are more likely to become infected with HPV. The Human Papilloma Virus does not unavoidably lead to dysplasia and finally cancer but it is a virus present in 90% of cervical cancer victims. It is transmitted sexually so if teenagers aren't properly informed they are more likely to act irresponsible and not use protection. Starting you sexual life very early also increases risks of cancer.

Another risk factor is also determined by the way teenagers think. It's fact that people still stigmatize cervical cancer as a shameful disease because they relate it ti promiscuity. Teenagers who know this prejudice are most likely not to admit to having been infected with the virus and this can leave a possible cancer untreated. It is vital that cervical cancer is diagnosed in a early stage, when it is still 100% curable.



Teenagers are also not the ones hurrying to get the Pap test and usually wait until they are adults to worry about this. Parents have shown constant difficulty and immaturity in handling this issue. It is often difficult for parents to see their children as young adults exposed to similar risks and especially to see them sexually active.

While doctors are still searching for  research funds, some people think all money should be spent on vaccination against the virus. This might be right but an equal distribution of funds should be a wiser idea as it can improve chances for better and more effective treatments adapted to every group of age.