Cervical cancer is the cancer of the cervix, the passage way between the uterus and the vagina, and it consists in cells beginning to divide and grow out of control and forming a mass called a tumor. This tumor can become invasive and spread to surrounding tissue and eventually to other organs and parts of the body.

Because HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, is the main condition leading to cervical cancer, Pap smears that detect it and lesions present on the cervix have become primary tools to prevent or offer early diagnose of the cancer. However, HPV is not present in 100% of the cases so it cannot be established as a direct and exclusive cause for cervical cancer. We must be aware of the existence of other risk factors that can make us more exposed to developing cervical cancer.



The second most harmful thing for the cervix and a cause for cervical cancer is smoking.  The risk also increases the bigger the number of years the woman has smoked. The reason behind this is that the chemicals contained by cigarette smoke can be very harmful for the cells in the cervix. Contrary to popular belief, these can affect more organs other than the lungs. They are absorbed through the lungs and then the bloodstream spreads them throughout the body. This has been proven by cervical mucus tests that have found traces of tobacco by-products. These substances not only weaken your resistance to cancer but are also a reason for the developing of cancerous cells and encourage the infection with HPV to lead to lesions and precancerous conditions.

Women who are smokers have double the risk of developing cervical cancer compared to non-smokers. The exact relationship between smoking and cervical cancer however still holds some mysteries for the medical community. Even so, another undisputed fact is that smoking can also inhibit the immune system. All in all, smoking is at least a major risk factor and significantly reduces survival rates in smokers struggling with cervical cancer. The idea that cigarette smoke can also directly cause abnormal changes of the cervix cells that are likely to then become cancerous remains a very probable theory. Even second hand smoke can affect survival after diagnosis of cervical cancer and has been proven through medical research to be an important risk factor that increases the chance of developing cervical neoplasia.



Not smoking as well as limiting your exposure to second hand smoke is sure to help you prevent cervical cancer or can give you higher chances for survival if you are already struggling with it. Ask your doctor of ways of minimizing your risks and about other harmful effects of smoking and exposure to second hand smoke.