High-risk" types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been shown to be the cause of cervical cancer.
Most women will get one or more types of "high-risk" (potentially cancer-causing) HPV at least once in their lives. The body's immune system usually fights off the infection, and most women with HPV never suffer from any problems as a result.
In some women, however, the infection does not go away. When the virus stays active in the body for a long period of time, cervical cells may begin to change and the risk of cervical cancer increases.
Are there other causes of cervical cancer?
High-risk types of the HPV virus are the cause of cervical cancer.
However, other factors can increase the likelihood that an HPV infection develops into cervical cancer:
- Exposure while in the womb to a medication called diethylstilbestrol (DES), which was prescribed to many women to prevent miscarriage between 1938 and 1971.
- Infection with chlamydia or herpes simplex virus type 2 (both different types of sexually transmitted diseases).
- A first-degree relative (mother or sister) with a history of cervical cancer, which the International Journal of Cancer reports increases personal risk three-fold.
- Conditions that weaken the body's immune system, such as HIV/AIDS.
- Smoking, which interferes with the body's ability to fight off infection. [In fact, one study showed that smokers are 60 percent more likely to develop cervical cancer, and former smokers are 12 percent more likely.]
- Low levels of folic acid (a type of Vitamin B).
There also are some data that suggest that long-term use of oral contraceptives (10 or more years) may increase the risk of some types of cervical cancer.