What causes cervical cancer, and how is HPV involved?
According to the U.S. National Cancer Institute, long-lasting (persistent) infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers; HPV 16 and HPV 18 account for most cases. Most HPV infections clear on their own, but a high-risk infection that persists for years can cause precancerous changes in cervical cells that may develop into cancer if they are not found and treated. Other factors, such as smoking, a weakened immune system, or HIV, can raise the risk. HPV vaccination and regular screening with HPV and Pap tests, which can find and remove precancerous changes before they become cancer, help lower the risk. This is general information, not personal medical advice.
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Cervical Cancer Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention (opens in a new tab) — National Cancer Institute (NCI)
HPV and Cancer (opens in a new tab) — National Cancer Institute (NCI)