Cervical cancer



Cervical cancer is one of the more common cancers affecting women of
reproductive age.

One of the high risk factors for cervical cancer is the presence of
antibodies to the human papillomavirus (the same group of viruses that cause
genital warts). Although benign, the virus is believed to trigger
alterations in the cells of the cervix, leading to the development of
cancer. The strains of HPV linked to cervical cancer (strains 16, 18 and
31), are not the ones that cause genital warts.

Women are advised to have a pap smear annually to check for precancerous
cells, or other abnormalities. If cervical cancer is detected early, it can
be treated without impairing fertility.

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