This is the third most common type of cancer in women. Cervical cancer is thought to be primarily due to the different types of a virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). Not all type of this virus causes cervical cancer. While some of them cause cancer some may cause genital warts. This virus spreads through sexual contact.

The causes are

• Having sex in a very young age.

• Sexual activities with multiple partners.

• Intake of diethylstilbestrol (DES) by mothers to prevent miscarriage can cause cervical     cancer in daughters.

• Immune system is weak.

• People with habits like smoking, use of oral contraceptive for around 5 – 10 years and a previous family history of cervical cancer is more prone to this infection.

This virus spreads because of having sex with an infected partner. Most women though have this virus but remain unaffected. But those with long term HPV infection may lead to this cancer. It is believed that this virus has the capability of stimulating some oncogenes which inturn are capable of interfering with other genes that control cell division and growth.