What is a potential risk factor for cervical cancer related to reproductive behavior?

Early childbearing is considered a potential risk factor for cervical cancer. This is largely due to the biological factors associated with early pregnancies and the potential for increased exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major contributor to the development of cervical cancer. Women who begin having children at a younger age may have more sexual partners and are at a higher risk of being exposed to HPV earlier in life. Additionally, early childbearing can be associated with other social factors such as reduced access to healthcare and screening, which further increases the risk of undiagnosed and untreated cervical abnormalities.

The other options do not carry the same level of risk associated with reproductive behavior. Late menarche and age at menopause are more associated with hormonal factors than with direct influences on cervical cancer risk. Frequent exercise, while beneficial in many aspects of health, does not have a direct correlation with cervical cancer risk in the context of reproductive behavior.