Virtually all cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 200 HPV subtypes and at least 13 are carcinogenic. Two subtypes, HPV 16 and 18, are the most carcinogenic and account for 70% of precancerous cervical lesions and cervical cancers. From a public health perspective, cervical cancer is highly preventable because the 15- to 20-year lag between infection and cancer in women with healthy immune systems allows for effective screening.

Mahboobeh Safaeian, MPH, PhD
Director of Clinical Sciences for HPV: Roche