Which demographic is at higher risk for cervical cancer?

Women with a history of smoking are at a higher risk for cervical cancer due to the harmful effects of tobacco on the immune system and the potential promotion of oncogenic (cancer-causing) processes in the cells of the cervix. Smoking is known to introduce carcinogenic substances to the body, which can lead to changes in the cervical epithelium and increase the likelihood of the persistence of high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), a significant risk factor for developing cervical cancer.

In addition to smoking, a weakened immune system from the effects of tobacco can make it more difficult for the body to clear HPV infections, enhancing the risk of progression to cervical cancer. Consequently, women who smoke are advised to consider cervical cancer screenings and preventive measures seriously to mitigate this risk.

While other demographics like older white women or young African American women and factors such as family history of diabetes might relate to general health risks, they do not have a direct correlation to the increased risk of cervical cancer in the same manner that smoking does.