HPV infection causes changes in cells of the cervix and abnormal cell growth, which causes cancer. Cervical cancer is most often diagnosed between the ages of 35 and 55, but Sevin says the foundation for cancer is laid at a much earlier age. The younger the patient is when she has this exposure to the human papillomavirus, the higher her risk of developing cervical cancer. Early sexual activity and multiple partners clearly put the patient at risk. Another primary risk factor for cervical cancer is a weakened immune system.
Smoking is a third risk factor.
Smoking reduces the immune system's functioning, and it's a carcinogen that may actually lead to the development of cancer locally at the cervix. Smoking along with HPV may work together and result in cervical cancer. Sevin recommends sexually active women have an annual Pap test, which can detect cancer and precancerous changes in the cervix. Women usually don't develop symptoms of cervical cancer until the cancer has become invasive. Symptoms include unusual vaginal discharge, bleeding after intercourse, bleeding between menstrual periods, and pain during intercourse.