Cervical cancer results from an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells of the cervix. 

The main cause of cervical cancer is human papilloma virus, or HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection.  Certain types of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes.  Most mild changes do not progress, but when abnormalities persist over long periods of time, the cells develop into cancer cells.  Progression from HPV infection to cancer can take as long as 20 years.

Cervical cell changes and cervical cancer appear to be related to sexual activity. Women who have never been sexually active hardly ever develop cervical cancer.

There is currently no cure for HPV infection, but the abnormal cell changes it causes can be treated.  While all women with cervical cancer have had HPV infection, very few women with HPV actually develop cervical cancer.

What is human papilloma virus?

There are about 200 types of HPV and about 40 of them can affect the genital area.  A small number of types of HPV have been linked to the development of abnormal cervical cell changes and cervical cancer.

Most women who have been sexually active have an HPV infection at some time in their lives.  Many will not know they have the virus as they will not have any symptoms.  In most cases, the virus will disappear on its own and will not cause abnormal cell changes.  The kinds of HPV that can affect cervical cells can be passed from person to person during sexual activity.

The following factors can increase a woman's risk of getting HPV:

• first sexual encounter at an early age
• having more than one sexual partner
• having a partner who has HPV, was sexually active at a young age or who has had more than one sexual partner.

Condoms will reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted HPV but will not prevent it completely.  This is because the virus can exist on skin areas not covered by a condom.

Other risk factors

Other factors that are linked to an increased risk of cervical cell changes and the development of cervical cancer are:

• smoking
• the use of oral contraceptives
• a weakened immune system.

The best way to reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer is to have regular cervical smear tests evey three years.