The ISIS Project
HPV and Cervical Cancer
What causes cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus, commonly referred to as HPV. Only certain types of HPV are linked to cervical cancer. These types of HPV are called "high risk types." When you have these types, you have a higher risk of developing cervical cancer.
Almost every woman will get HPV at least once in her life. The body's immune system usually fights off the virus, and most women with HPV never suffer any problems as a result. In some women, however, the virus does not go away. When the virus stays in the body for a long period of time, cervical cells may begin to change and the risk of cervical cancer increases.
On this website, we will only be talking about "high risk" types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. "Low risk" types of HPV cause genital warts. If you think you have genital warts, contact your healthcare provider to find out about treatment.
(For more information on genital warts, visit the American Social Health Association's website)
"The longer you have HPV, the higher your chances of cervical cancer."
Arizona Wellness Center for Women
Are there other causes of cervical cancer?
Women must have HPV before they will develop cervical cancer. But there are other factors that can increase your risk of abnormal cell changes in the cervix:
- History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Smoking
- A weak immune system (for example, women with HIV or organ transplants)
- Having sexual intercourse at a young age
- Number of sexual partners
- Not getting routine screening for cervical cancer
How long does it take for cervical cancer to develop?
Once cervical cells begin to change, it typically takes 10-15 years before cancer develops. As the cells change, they can become "pre-cancerous." When cells become precancerous, this condition is given a scientific name called "dysplasia." Another scientific name for dysplasia is CIN, which stands for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
What can I do to prevent cervical cancer?
There are now three ways to prevent cervical cancer:
- If you are younger than 26, consider getting the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is approved for girls and young women ages 9 to 26, but is specifically recommended for girls ages 11 and 12.
- When you turn 21 or within 3 years of becoming sexually active (whichever comes first), the best way to protect yourself is by getting a Pap test. The Pap test looks for cell changes on the cervix..
- If you are 30 years old and over, getting the Pap test plus an HPV test is the best way to protect yourself from cervical cancer. Together, these tests determine if you are likely to have or develop abnormal cells that could become cervical cancer.
It is important to know that while having more than one sexual partner may increase the risk of getting HPV, it is possible to get the virus from just one person. In fact, it is estimated that 8 of 10 sexually active women will catch the virus at some time during their lives.
It also is important to remember that even women who have had only one sexual partner for many years need to be screened for cervical cancer. Women who have not been sexually active for many years also need to be screened. This is because HPV can "hide" in the cervical cells for a long period and not be detected.
You also may be able to reduce your cervical cancer risk by:
- Delaying sexual intercourse until you are at least 20 years old
- Having only one partner who has no other intimate partners
- Using condoms every time you have sex
- Limiting the number of sexual partners you have
- Quitting smoking