In addition to HPV, which is a risk factor for cervical cancer?

Low socioeconomic status is recognized as a significant risk factor for cervical cancer for several reasons. Individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds often face barriers to accessing healthcare, including regular screenings and vaccinations. This can lead to a higher incidence of undiagnosed cervical cancer, as well as poorer outcomes due to delays in treatment.

Additionally, those with lower socioeconomic status may have higher rates of other health-related risk factors, such as smoking or other comorbidities, which can further contribute to the risk of developing cervical cancer.

The other options, while they may influence health in different ways, do not have the same established connection to cervical cancer risk as low socioeconomic status does. Age over 50 is a factor but is often associated with overall cancer risk rather than specifically cervical cancer, while regular Pap smears are a preventive measure, not a risk factor. The use of oral contraceptives has a complex relationship with cervical cancer; while some studies suggest a potential increased risk, the benefits of use in terms of reproductive health are significant and do not position it as a direct risk factor in the same way that socioeconomic status does.