Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How does HPV cause cancer?
There are over 100 types of HPV, but only some can cause cervical cancer and just two – types 16 and 18 – cause 70% of the cases. If HPV gets into the lining of the cervix it can stay for several years without causing any harm. Occasionally, it may start to cause damage to the cells and create lesions. If these lesions are left untreated they can develop into cancer. The lesions can be detected by cervical screening. If detected early enough the lesions can be investigated and, if necessary, be treated to prevent cancer developing. The cervical screening programme has been effective in reducing cases of cervical cancer by 43% since the 1980s.
