The role of HPV in cervical cancer: what you need to know

Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a significant health concern around the world. At the heart of how it develops is a very common virus: the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Understanding the role of HPV in cervical cancer is the key to preventing it and finding it early.

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, many of which are passed on through sexual contact. Most people will have HPV at some point in their lives, often without ever knowing. In most cases, the infection is harmless and the body clears it by itself within a year or two.

However, certain types are called high-risk because they can cause abnormal cell growth. High-risk types, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, are the main causes of cervical cancer. They can also lead to cancers of the throat, anus and genitals, including vulval and vaginal cancer. Low-risk types, by contrast, may cause harmless conditions such as genital warts.

How does HPV cause cervical cancer?

When a high-risk type of HPV infects the cells of the cervix and is not cleared, it can disrupt the way those cells normally grow and divide. Over several years, the affected cells can develop into precancerous changes. If these changes are not found and treated, they may eventually progress to cervical cancer.

The process is usually slow, which is good news: it gives screening plenty of time to find changes before they become cancer.

Preventing HPV-related cancer

• HPV vaccination: vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix give effective protection against high-risk types of HPV. Vaccination works best before any exposure to the virus, which is why it is usually offered in adolescence.
• Regular screening: a smear test checks for high-risk HPV and for abnormal cell changes, giving the chance to act early.

Even if you have been vaccinated, keep going for screening, because the vaccine does not cover every type of HPV that can cause cancer.

What if my smear shows HPV?

Finding HPV on a smear test is common and does not mean you have cancer. If no abnormal cells are found, you will usually be invited back sooner than normal, to check that the virus has cleared. If abnormal cells are found, you may be offered a colposcopy to look more closely at the cervix. Our abnormal cervical smears page explains what happens next. A positive result does not mean a partner has been unfaithful, because HPV can stay silent for many years.

Lifestyle choices matter

Practising safer sex, for example using condoms, can lower the chance of passing on HPV, although condoms do not give complete protection. Not smoking matters too, because smoking makes it harder for your body to clear HPV and raises the risk of HPV-related complications.

Protect yourself against HPV

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, but it is also one of the most preventable causes of cancer. Vaccination, regular screening and healthy habits can significantly reduce your risk. The World Health Organization explains how HPV causes cervical cancer and how it can be prevented, and Cancer Research UK describes the risks and causes of cervical cancer.

At Gynae Solution, we want every woman to have the knowledge and care she needs to take charge of her health. If you have concerns about HPV or cervical cancer, please book a consultation with Mr Jafaru Abu.