Final answer:
External risk factors that increase the risk of pre-cancer and cancer among women infected with carcinogenic HPV include smoking, a weakened immune system, use of birth control pills, early age of sexual activity, and having many sexual partners.
Step-by-step explanation:
External risk factors that increase the risk of pre-cancer and cancer among women infected with carcinogenic HPV include:
- Smoking: Current and former smokers have roughly two to three times the incidence of cervical cancer as non-smokers. Passive smoking is also associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer.
- Weakened immune system: Women with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV infection, are at higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
- Use of birth control pills: Long-term use of birth control pills is associated with a slightly increased risk of cervical cancer.
- Early age of sexual activity: Becoming sexually active at a young age can increase the risk of cervical cancer.
- Having many sexual partners: Having multiple sexual partners increases the risk of exposure to HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, which can lead to cervical cancer.