What is the relationship between smoking and cervical cancer?
Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cervical cancer. The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can damage the DNA of cervical cells and contribute to the formation of cancerous cells. Additionally, smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major cause of cervical cancer. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of cervical cancer and improve the effectiveness of treatments.