The Cause of Cervical Cancer Is Unknown -- But There Are Known Risk Factors

The cause of cervical cancer is unknown.

Infection with two types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted sexually, is strongly associated with cervical and vulvar cancer and is the primary risk factor. Evidence of HPV is found in nearly 80% of cervical carcinomas.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reduces the immune system's ability to fight infection (including HPV infection) and increases the likelihood that precancerous cells will progress to cancer.

In June of 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a cervical cancer vaccine for girls and women between the ages of 9 and 26. This vaccine (Gardasil) has been shown to protect against the human papillomavirus (HPV).

In addition to HPV infection, other risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Age
• Race

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