04/01/2026
Cervical cancer is mainly caused by long-term infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV).
Cervical cancer happens when a woman has a long-lasting infection with a virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is usually passed during s*xual contact.
In most women, the body clears HPV on its own, but when the virus stays in the body for many years, it can damage the cells of the cervix. Over time, these damaged cells can grow abnormally and turn into cancer if they are not found and treated early.
Things that increase the risk include having many s*xual partners, starting s*x very early, smoking, a weak immune system, and not doing regular cervical screening (Pap smear).
