[Epidemiology of cervix cancer--a review]

Cervical cancer behaves epidemiologically like a venereal disease of low infectiousness. Early age at first intercourse and multiple sexual partners have been shown to exert strong effects on risk. There are wide differences in the incidence between different countries also influenced by the introduction of screening. Although the general picture remains one of decreasing incidence and mortality, there are signs of an increasing cervical cancer risk probably due to changes in sexual behavior. HSV 2 infection could not be confirmed to play the anticipated role in the aetiology of cervical cancer. Smoking and HPV 16/18 are currently important issues in a concept of multifactorial, stepwise carcinogenesis at the cervix uteri.