The Link Between HPV and Cervical Cancer

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common viruses in the world, and it has been linked to a variety of cancers. One of the most concerning connections is between HPV and cervical cancer. Cervical cancer occurs when cells in the cervix become abnormal and grow out of control. In many cases, this growth is caused by HPV infection.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can be passed from person to person through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. While there are more than 100 types of HPV, only certain types are known to cause cervical cancer. These high-risk types include HPV 16 and 18, which account for 70% of all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. Other high-risk types include 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

Infection with any type of HPV does not always lead to cervical cancer; however it can increase a woman’s risk if it goes untreated or undiagnosed for an extended period of time. This is why regular screening tests like Pap smears are so important for women over 30 years old; they allow doctors to detect precancerous cells before they develop into full-blown tumors. Early detection makes treatment much more successful and can even prevent cervical cancer altogether in some cases.

There are also certain lifestyle factors that can increase a woman’s risk for developing cervical cancer due to an HPV infection such as smoking cigarettes or having multiple sexual partners throughout their lifetime — both activities have been linked to higher rates of infection with high-risk strains of HPV which increases one’s risk for developing cervical cancer later on in life. Additionally, women who have weakened immune systems due to HIV/AIDS or other illnesses may be at an increased risk as well since their bodies may not be able to fight off infections as easily as those with healthy immune systems do.

The best way for women (and men) to protect themselves from getting infected with any type of HPV — including those that cause cervical cancer — is by using condoms during sexual activity and getting vaccinated against the virus if they haven't already done so (the vaccine is recommended for people aged 11-26). Additionally, regular screenings should be done every three years if you're under 30 years old or every five years if you're over 30 years old — this will help ensure early detection if any precancerous cells do occur so they can be treated quickly before they become dangerous tumors down the line

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. Human papillomavirus, HPV, Cervical cancer, Skin-to-skin contact, Sexual activity, High-risk types, Pap smears, Smoking cigarettes, Multiple sexual partners, HIV/AIDS, Condoms, Vaccinated,

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