,+Cause+of+Cervical+Cancer.jpg "Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Cause of Cervical Cancer")
When a woman is exposed to HPV, the immune system is able to prevent the virus generally do serious damage.
However, the small number of women, the virus survives for years.
Finally, the virus can lead to the conversion of normal cells on the surface of the cervix into cancer cells.
At first, only the cells showed signs of viral infection common. But eventually the cell can change and happen precancerous.
This is known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Typically, precancerous changes occur spontaneously.
In some cases, especially in women with weak immune systems, intraepithelial neoplasia can eventually develop into invasive cervical cancer.
It is unclear why some women are more likely to develop cervical cancer. Some types of HPV are more aggressive than others.
Smoking can increase the risk of cervical cancer. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, women who smoke are about twice as likely to develop cervical cancer.
There are two available HPV vaccines are Gardasil and Cervarix. Both vaccines offer protection from some of the most dangerous types of HPV.
Gardasil was approved for girls and women ages 9 to 26 years. Cervarix is approved for girls and women ages 10 to 25 years.
Remember, if you are s*xually active, the best way to prevent HPV and other s*xually transmitted infections is to remain faithful and not have multiple partners.
In addition, routine screening for cervical cancer is also important to do.
