Human papillomavirus and other risk factors for cervical cancer

Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women after cancer of the breast, and the commonest in developing countries. In the last decade the etiology of cervical cancer has been unequivocally established--over 90% of the cases in all countries are related to infections to some strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). These infections are common in young age groups and resolve spontaneously in most instances. The typical HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) prevalence after the third decade lies between five and 15% of women. These findings form the basis of new strategies for screening and prevention of cervical cancer.