What is cervical cancer ?
Cervical cancer is a serious disease that affects the opening of the womb of a woman. Almost all (99.7%) cases of cervical cancers are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV), a very common infection. Most adults (80%) will be infected by HPV at least once during their lifetime. When detected early, cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer.
- Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent infection with one or more of the high-risk types of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
- Seven out of ten (70%) of all cervical cancer cases reported throughout the world are caused by only two types of HPV: 16 and 18.
- Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common sexually transmitted viral infection among men and women. 80%, or 4 out of 5 people, will have at least one type of HPV infection during their lifetime. Most HPV infections do not cause any symptoms. Therefore, most people never know they are infected.
Risk factors for cervical cancer
- Start of sexual activity at an early age. Having multiple sexual partners.
- Having a sexual partner with multiple sexual partners.
- Co-infection with other sexually transmitted infections.
- Immunosuppression due to HIV/AIDS infection.
- Tobacco use.