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Cervical Cancer Risk Factors

Key points

  • Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer.

Conditions that can increase risk

Photo of three women
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by HPV. Other things also can increase your risk of cervical cancer.

Almost all cervical cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that can be passed from one person to another during sex. There are many types of HPV. Some HPV types can cause changes on your cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time, while other types can cause genital or skin warts.

HPV is so common that most people get it at some time in their lives. HPV usually causes no symptoms, so you can't tell that you have it. For most people, HPV will go away on its own. If it doesn't, it can cause cervical cancer over time.

Other things can increase your risk of cervical cancer:

  • Having HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) or another condition that makes it hard for your body to fight off health problems.
  • Tobacco smoking.
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Content Source:
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion; Division of Cancer Prevention and Control