Cervical Cancer: Understanding the Link to HPV

Almost all cases of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a very common virus that can cause a variety of health problems, including genital warts and cervical cancer. There are many different strains of HPV, and some strains are more likely to cause cancer than others. HPV is spread through sexual contact, and it is estimated that around 80% of sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. Most people who get HPV will not develop cancer, but some people will. The risk of developing cervical cancer is increased if you have multiple sexual partners, if you have sex at a young age, or if you have a weakened immune system. There is a vaccine that can help protect against HPV, and it is recommended that all girls and boys get vaccinated.