There is one virus called the human papilloma virus (HPV) that is common throughout the world. It has been linked to cervical cancer. The human papilloma virus is found in at least 95% of all women with cervical cancer and in a high number of other cancers of the genitals.

There are many different types of HPV’s. At least four are termed “cancer associated types” (these are numbered HPV-16, 18, 31 and 45). These pre-cancerous growths are flat and almost unnoticeable. Some HPV’s such as 6 and 11 are “low risk types” as they rarely develop into cancer.

Most HPV infections disappear all on their own without any problems. However, the “cancer associated types” may increase the risk of developing serious abnormalities or even cancer. Not all people infected with “cancer associated types” will develop cancer, but usually only women infected with one of these cancer associated types of HPV will get cervical cancer. We know that a variety of factors in addition to HPV act together to develop cancer. Some of these factors may include genetics, smoking, having a decreased resistance to the infection and or infection with additional viruses as well as bacteria.

Recent research on HPV’s have shown that the virus makes special proteins. These proteins confuse some of the functions going on within the cell, especially those that normally prevent excessive growth.