Cervical cancer is a high-incidence cancer among women, but it predominantly affects specific groups. These 5 types of women need to be particularly vigilant.

The occurrence of cervical cancer is not accidental; it is mostly related to the long-term effects of high-risk factors. Among these, persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widely recognized primary cause.

Clinical data show that some women, due to their lifestyle habits and physiological conditions, are more likely to develop cervical cancer after HPV infection. These groups should pay special attention.

The first group is women with persistent high-risk HPV infection.

HPV has multiple subtypes, among which types 16 and 18 are classified as high-risk and are closely associated with the development of cervical cancer.

Most women can clear the HPV virus naturally within 1-2 years through their immune system. However, if the infection persists for more than 2 years, the virus may gradually damage cervical cells, leading to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Without timely intervention, this may eventually progress to cervical cancer.

It is important to note that HPV infection is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. Therefore, women who are sexually active are at risk of infection, with the risk significantly elevated in those who experience persistent infection with high-risk HPV strains.

The second group includes women who initiate sexual activity at an early age or have multiple sexual partners.

During adolescence, a woman's cervical tissue is not fully developed. Early initiation of sexual activity (typically defined as before age 16) makes the cervical mucosa more susceptible to damage. If exposed to HPV at this stage, the likelihood of infection increases substantially.

Additionally, a higher number of sexual partners raises the likelihood of exposure to different HPV subtypes, increasing the chance of high-risk HPV infection and, consequently, the risk of developing cervical cancer.

Additionally, if a sexual partner is infected with HPV or other sexually transmitted diseases, it can also increase the likelihood of a woman contracting HPV and developing cervical cancer.

The third category is women with compromised immune function.

The immune system serves as a crucial line of defense against viral infections. When immune function is compromised, the body's ability to clear the HPV virus significantly decreases, making it easier for the virus to cause persistent infections.

Common populations with compromised immune function include patients taking immunosuppressive drugs after organ or bone marrow transplants, women with autoimmune diseases, and individuals whose immune systems are impaired due to other medical conditions.

In this type of women, once infected with HPV, the virus is harder to clear, cervical cells may develop abnormalities more rapidly, and the risk of cervical cancer is significantly higher than in the general population.

The fourth category includes women with a history of cervical lesions who have not received standardized treatment.

Conditions such as cervical erosion and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia are classified as cervical lesions. While these conditions are not cancers in themselves, if left untreated or not managed according to standard protocols, they can create an environment conducive to the proliferation of HPV.

For instance, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia is categorized into low-grade and high-grade lesions. If left untreated, high-grade lesions have a higher probability of progressing to cervical cancer within 5 to 10 years.

Some women underestimate the significance of cervical lesions, believing that treatment is unnecessary in the absence of noticeable symptoms. Others may undergo incomplete or irregular treatment, all of which can lead to the continued progression of the lesions and increase the risk of cervical cancer.

The fifth category is women who have never received HPV vaccination and do not undergo regular screening.

HPV vaccination is an important measure to prevent cervical cancer, as it effectively prevents infections from high-risk HPV types.

Women who have never received the HPV vaccine lack the protection offered by vaccination, resulting in a naturally higher risk of contracting high-risk HPV.

At the same time, regular cervical cancer screenings allow for the early detection of HPV infections and cervical lesions, enabling earlier intervention and better treatment outcomes.

If you have never undergone screening, even if cervical lesions have already developed, they may go undetected and progress to advanced cervical cancer, missing the optimal treatment window.

After understanding the groups most susceptible to cervical cancer, prevention becomes clearer in direction.

Vaccination against HPV is a foundational preventive measure. Women who meet the criteria for vaccination should get vaccinated as early as possible. Women of different age groups can choose the appropriate type of vaccine based on their individual circumstances.

At the same time, regular cervical cancer screening is essential. Women who are sexually active are advised to undergo cervical cytology testing (TCT) and HPV testing once a year. High-risk individuals should follow medical advice to increase the frequency of screening.

Furthermore, maintaining healthy sexual habits, such as avoiding early initiation of sexual activity and reducing the number of sexual partners, can lower the risk of HPV infection.

Boosting one's immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help clear the HPV virus.

It is important to emphasize that cervical cancer is a preventable and treatable disease. When detected and treated early, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 90%.

Women in these five categories need not panic excessively. As long as preventive measures are taken and regular screenings are conducted, the risk of developing the disease can be effectively reduced.

Even if HPV infection or mild cervical lesions are detected, timely intervention can effectively prevent the condition from progressing.