How likely am I to get cervical cancer?

By bmhk | 14 June, 2023

Not very. More than 550,000 people took part in the population screening in 2021. On average, 900 women each year are told that they have cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer occurs when your body does not clear HPV (Human Papillomavirus) on its own. Your body is more likely to fail to clear HPV if you:

Have a weakened immune system, for example due to the use of certain medicines, such as medication after an organ transplant. Also, having HIV weakens your immunity, making it more likely for you to get cervical cancer.
Smoking, because smoking damages cells and weakens your immune system.
Have a Chlamydia or Herpes infection
Have multiple HPV infections
Have multiple different sex partners, making it simply more likely for you to get infected with HPV.