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The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes 99.7% of cervical cancer cases [7].

Contrary to what many people think, cervical cancer is not a hereditary condition. In fact, scientists have proved that it is caused by certain cancer-causing types of a virus called the human papillomavirus or HPV.

There are around 100 types of this virus [2]. Most are non-cancer-causing types that do not cause cervical cancer. There are cancer-causing types, however, which can cause the growth of abnormal cells on a woman’s cervix and ultimately, if untreated, can lead to cervical cancer.

It’s important to remember though, that this virus is very widespread and very easily passed from person to person. In fact, up to 75% of women who have ever been sexually active are likely to be infected with the virus at some time in their lives [8] [9]. Fortunately, the majority of HPV infections are cleared by our natural immune system [3].

The HPV virus

How is the virus spread?
The virus can be passed from person to person during sex – either through intercourse or even sometimes from intimate skin-to-skin contact in the genital area [6] [10]. Due to the ease of transmission, every sexually active woman is at risk of catching the virus. In fact, up to 75% of sexually active women will be infected with some type of HPV at some point in their lives [8] [9].

As part of practicing safe sex, condoms reduce the risk of infection with the virus, however, they do not fully protect you [4] [6] [10] . This is because the skin immediately around the genital area can also carry the virus.

If you get infected with a cancer-causing HPV type, which could lead to cervical cancer and it persists in the cervix, there are often no symptoms or signs in the early stages. However, a smear test can provide early detection of any cell changes caused by the virus, which is why it’s so important to have regular tests.

How does cervical cancer develop?
HPV causes a viral infection. The HPV virus gets inside the cells of the cervix. If it manages to hide from the body’s immune system, then instead of the infection clearing up, it stays inside the cells of the cervix. This is called a persistent infection. Persistent infection can cause abnormal cells, which can turn in to cancer. Although, occasionally, the disease can progress more rapidly [4].

Cervical cell abnormalities can develop over time if left untreated

For the majority of HPV infections, the body’s immune system fights off the infection without women even realising that they’ve had it.

However sometimes, some cancer causing HPV types of the virus may remain in the cells of the cervix. Infected cells can slowly develop into abnormal cells and then into cervical cancer, a process that usually takes years, unless identified and treated early.  And this is where smear tests have proved so vital in detecting abnormal cell changes resulting from HPV infection.

References

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