CERVICAL CANCER CAUSES

The exact cause of cervical cancer is not known.

However, during the late 19^th century, clinicians observed the low incidence of cervical cancer among nuns and began to suspect that cervical cancer may have a sexual cause. In the last few years the development of cervical cancer has been firmly linked with certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus that produces benign growths on the skin including genital warts.

It is important to realise that not all cervical cancers are associated with HPV infection and not all HPV infections result in cervical cancer. In fact, persistent infection with HPV seems to be necessary for the development of cervical cancer and usually occurs decades after the initial HPV infection. It is not known why HPV infection persists in some women but not in others. Nor is it known what determines who goes on to develop cervical cancer. A number of additional risk factors have been identified.

Risk factors for the development of cervical cancer

Hormonal and reproductive factors may have an independent effect on the development of cervical cancer in women with HPV infection. However, there is no evidence that HRT causes cervical cancer.

Risk factors such as smoking, poor diet and the presence of other sexually transmitted infections may only have an indirect effect e.g. weaken the ability of the immune system to fight off infection.

Many women with some or all of the above risk factors never develop cervical cancer. Also, cervical cancer may occur in the absence of these risk factors.