Risks factors for cervical cancer
The major risk factor for cervical cancer is having human papillomavirus (HPV) [4]. The CDC has confirmed that HPV causes more than 9 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer.
There are several types of HPV. Certain types lead to genital warts and may not cause cancer. These types are referred to as low-risk HPV types. While some other types are considered high-risk because they often lead to cancer. There are about 14 types of high-risk HPV.
HPV is transferred from one person to another via skin-to-skin contact and can also be transferred during sexual activity. You may have HPV and not know; this is because the virus does not often cause symptoms.