Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a major risk factor for cervical cancer. Most cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection, and most sexually active individuals will contract it at some point. However, not all HPV infections lead to cancer. The immune system often clears the virus naturally, but persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer over time.
